7 of the Best Contact Lenses for Dry Eyes (aka Desert Eyes)
The itchiness. The annoying redness around the rims of your eyes. These are just two of the side effects of dry eyes.
If you're a contact lens wearer, the effects are practically doubled. But you have to see well to work and to avoid trees and pedestrians, so you'll just have to deal with it all, right?
Wrong.
There are lenses out there made specifically for people with eyes just like yours. You only have to find them.
That's why we've compiled a list of the best contact lenses for dry eyes. Itchiness be gone!
What to Look for in Contact Lenses
Contrary to popular belief, more moisture content in a contact lens does not mean the lens will help your dry eyes. In fact, it may do just the opposite.
The moisture in a lens can dry out your eyes by attracting the water in your eyeballs, making your eyes even worse off than before. New advancements have slowed this process, but it is something to consider. You may have to try several moist types to discover which works for you. Soft lenses are also better suited for those with dry eyes. This is because the materials are made to hold water and allow for the transfer of oxygen. Both of these characteristics help your eyes retain moisture.
Silicone hydrogels are especially useful for dry eyes because the material doesn't let the water evaporate as quickly. The downside is they can cost more. But the comfort can far outweigh any extra cost.
The 7 Best Contact Lenses for Dry Eyes
Half of wearers experience dry eyes from contact lenses, and playing Contact Lens Roulette is no fun for anyone. With our handy list, you can now take a look at seven of the best lenses, talk to your eye doctor and, ultimately, find the one that will work best for you.
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6 lenses per box
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1. Biofinity
Biofinity's lenses are made for monthly wear, making them a tad easier on the wallet than daily lenses.
The material used to create these lenses is a high-performance silicone hydrogel which contains the company's Aquaform(R) technology.
The material is ideal for anyone with dry eyes because it creates a bond with the water molecules within it to retain the water. Instead of quickly evaporating or drying out the wearer's eyes, the moisture remains.
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6 lenses per box
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2. Air Optix
Air Optix Aqua contacts boast five times more oxygen flow than regular soft lenses. Containing one-third water, they are another great monthly option for those with dry eyes.
The SmartShield(R) Technology in these lenses offers a thin shield, protecting your eye from harmful deposits.
In fact, a study of 60 individuals wearing Air Optix Aqua for Astigmatism were found to have no significant changes in comfort level after six months of wear, including dryness. This report verified past research on the matter.
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30 lenses per box
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3. Proclear 1 Day
As of 2016, there was one brand that had been allowed to toot its own horn about improving comfort for those with dry eyes. That brand was CooperVision for its Proclear lenses. These one-day lenses offer a whopping 60% water content and, according to the company, offer 96% hydration for up to 12 hours of wear.
While the other Proclear products were also given the go-ahead to cite improved comfort by the FDA, the one-day lenses are especially beneficial for dry eyes. This is because they avoid letting any debris or bacteria build up on the lens, which further affects dryness.
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30 lenses per box
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4. Dailies Total 1
The Dailies Total 1 is known for its comfort. Touted as the "world's first and only water gradient contact lenses," its innovations allow users to enjoy six times more breathable material. The whopping 80% water content encourages comfort all day long.
The new technology includes an "ultrasoft, hydrophilic surface gel." Working with the silicone hydrogel core, it provides comfort from the surface water and breathability through the core. It is particularly effective for older females and anyone with dry eyes. Again, the daily use (compared to monthly lenses) also means fewer contagions that can irritate your eyes.
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30 lenses per box
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5. 1 Day Acuvue Moist
A product chosen by many professionals for its superior vision and success in aiding dry eyes, 1 Day Acuvue Moist is another great product for those with allergies or sensitive eyes.
Experts agree the multifocal contact lenses are especially useful for first-time wearers or those over the age of 40, who may have more sensitive eyes. There is no sacrificing vision for comfort with this product, and it's great for users who stare at computer and phone screens all day.
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30 lenses per box
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6. Dailies AquaComfort Plus
Blink-activated moisturizing agents? Yes, please.
Dailies AquaComfort Plus offers this and more. The lens is saturated with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), a saline solution commonly found in eye drops.
Another common expert choice, the blink-activated agents are made from polyethylene glycol (PEG) and Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). Again, PEG is frequently found in eye drops, meaning it provides relief to your eye throughout the day.
A study by the lenses' company found 83% of participants forgot they were wearing the lenses because they are so comfortable. Consumer reviews seem to agree, and new lens wearers appreciate the price range for these daily contacts.
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6 lenses per box
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7. Bausch & Lomb's ULTRA Lens
The Ultra lenses are designed to provide superior vision at three distinct distances as well as to emphasize comfort.
The monthly lenses contain MoistureSeal(TM) technology, which provides comfort without sacrificing breathability. This design incorporates a silicone backbone to encourage oxygen flow and adds in a dash of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), a "water-loving polymer." The PVP creates the moisturized feeling and reduces lid awareness.
According to the company, the lenses maintain 95% of their moisture for up to 16 hours. The three-zone design makes this a likely choice for individuals who must see at far, close and medium distances while at work.
Say Goodbye to Itchy Eyes
You don't have to ditch your contacts for glasses if you suffer from itchy eyes. Instead, choose one of the seven best contact lenses for dry eyes.
Of course, everyone is different and you may find another product strikes your fancy. Browse the popular brands available at LensPure.com to choose moist contacts that will be right for you.