null

Best Contacts for Dry Eyes in 2025: Which Brand Comes Out on Top

1st Apr 2025

lenses-online-nz-best-contact-lenses-for-dry-eyes.png

Jump to:

 If you’ve been wearing contact lenses for a while now, you've probably had your fair share of struggles with dry eyes, and you’re not alone. Surprisingly, about 20% of Kiwis also deal with some dry eye conditions. However, finding the right contact lens to keep your eyes comfortable and help with dryness is a real hassle.

Recent advances in contact lens technology have brought new options that do more than just correct your vision. They also help manage dryness. Alongside these products, emerging local research and new treatment approaches provide fresh hope for those affected.

So, what are the best contacts for dry eyes?

Let’s dive in and find out which brand really lives up to the hype and the key features that make them suitable for contact lens wearers suffering from dry eyes.

What causes dry eyes?

Dry eye syndrome arises from inadequate tear production or poor tear quality. This leads to symptoms like eye irritation, redness, and a gritty feeling in the eyes. Other causes can include eye disease, hormone changes, medications and allergies.

Can I wear contact lenses if I have dry eyes?

Yes, you can wear contact lenses if you have dry eyes, but you might need to adjust your approach. Contact lens wearers with mild to moderate dry eye find that using daily disposable or silicone hydrogel lenses, which allow more oxygen through, can make a big difference. You also need to follow proper cleaning routines and use lubricating drops, but to get the best results, have your eyes checked by an optometrist who can recommend the right lens and care routine for you.

What types of contact lenses are available?

      • Soft contact lenses - People with chronic dry eyes might find soft contacts more comfortable. These lenses are crafted from materials that not only retain water but also allow oxygen to flow through, helping the eyes stay refreshed and breathe easier.

      • Hard contact lenses (Rigid Gas-Permeable) - Often referred to as "hard" lenses, Rigid Gas-Permeable (RGP) lenses are a robust choice for clear vision, especially if you have astigmatism or uneven corneas.

      • Silicone Hydrogel contact lenses - This is a revolutionary material in the world of contact lenses as it allows more oxygen to reach the cornea compared to traditional soft lenses and helps reduce dryness and discomfort. Although they might be pricier than other types, their effectiveness for dry eyes makes them a top recommendation.

      • Daily disposable contact lenses - Favourite among contact lens wearers, especially those with dry eyes. Their single-use nature dramatically reduces the likelihood of deposit accumulation, which can cause eye irritation.

Best contact lenses for dry eyes (with pros & cons)

Best contact lenses #1: Dailies Total 1 

untitled-design-7-.png

4.9 out of 5 

 

One of the best features of these daily lenses is high water gradient technology, which means the outer surface of the lens is completely composed of water. Additionally, this feature releases more wetting agents when it detects dryness on the ocular surface, providing maximum comfort and reducing dryness.

Pros: Superior lens surface moisture stability, supports excellent comfort; most users say they don’t feel the contacts at all

Cons: Pricey, sometimes tricky to get in and out of the eye. No monthly option. 

What our customers say:

“Great lenses. Recently moved to these and they are so much more comfortable and my eyes are keeping in better health. Optometrist highlighted this higher water content and softer lenses were pretty essential if I want to keep wearing contacts daily for many years to come. - Jane D.

“Wonderful product to wear all day, without any discomfort” - Jody R

“I've been using dailies total for some time now. I love these as they dont dry my eyes out like others in the past.” - Jo G.

 

Best contact lenses #2: Precision 1

untitled-design-5-.png

4.9 out of 5

 

Made with a unique moisture-lock technology that keeps moisture in the eyes throughout the day. Precision 1 contact lenses offer a balance of comfort and breathability, essential for maintaining eye health and specifically for dry eyes.

Pros: Moisture-lock technology that keeps your eyes hydrated, good for daily wear, and slightly cheaper than Dailies Total 1.

Cons: Limited options for people who have astigmatism or multifocal needs. No monthly option. 

What our customers say:

“Excellent Lenses, have worn these for 20 hours without any issues, minimal movement (which is the issue I have with most lenses) and very comfortable. Little pricier than other lenses but worth the extra couple of dollars. Recommend” - Shayne W

“Very comfortable lenses that you can wear all day long” - Susan T

“More comfortable than my previous daily contacts but trickier to get out of the little cups.” - Niels D

 

Best contact lenses #3: Acuvue Oasys 1 Day lenses 

untitled-design-8-.png

5.0 out of 5

The Hydraluxe Technology in the daily contact lenses features a tear-like molecule design, which adds a layer of moisture to your eyes and ensures you feel hydrated all day long.

Pros: Outstanding breathability, includes UV protection, and is preferable for people who are always on the move.

Cons: They could be too expensive for regular use, and some users might find them less breathable than other daily disposables.

What our customers say:

“Exceptional - only daily I can use that doesn't irritate my eyes.” - cathy H.

“Very comfortable all day, can’t feel them at all and no ‘end of day’ discomfort, as I have had previously. A bit more difficult to apply but easy to remove” - Rebecca E

“easy to put in and take out and comfortable to wear” - Tim C

 

Best contact lenses #4 - Bausch and Lomb Ultra One Day Lens

untitled-design-9-.png

4.8 out of 5

Bausch + Lomb lenses feature a next-generation material infused with different moisturiser proteins and electrolytes to help stabilise your tear film and effectively reduce dry eye symptoms.

Pros: Infused with advanced material for superior moisture retention and suitable for extended wear.

Cons: Priced higher than many standard lenses, some users report a steeper learning curve for proper insertion and removal.

What our customers say:

“The most comfortable daily lenses I have used” - Michael S.

“The most comfortable lenses I've ever worn.” - Victoria D

 

Best contact lenses #5 - Biofinity

untitled-design-10-.png

4.8 out of 5

 

Biofinity features Aquaform® Technology, which locks in moisture to keep your eyes hydrated throughout the day. Made from breathable silicone hydrogel, they allow plenty of oxygen to reach your eyes, promoting overall eye health. The smooth, rounded edges enhance comfort by reducing interaction with your eyelids. 

Additionally, the Aberration Neutralizing System™ helps minimise optical imperfections, providing sharp and clear vision. Designed for monthly replacement, Biofinity® lenses offer a convenient and reliable option for everyday wear.

Pros: Suitable for a range of prescriptions, including nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.

Cons: Monthly lenses necessitate regular cleaning and proper storage.

What our customers say:

“I have sensitive eyes, these were the first lenses I wore, after trying another brand that was supposed to be a better fit but irritated my eyes completely I went straight back to these. I find these really comfortable and they last and are easy care.” - Hana

“My Son love how easy they are and says they feel great. He is 13 years old so he like simple things.”  - Justine

“A great monthly lens that stays comfortable for many hours.” - Conrad S

Note: The recommendations are based on collective insights and perspectives of different eye care experts.

New Dry Eye Treatments and Research

Apart from picking the right contact lenses, there’s promising new research on treatments that could help with dry eye. An emerging treatment in New Zealand called “Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT)” uses specific light wavelengths to improve tear film stability and reduce inflammation. Studies have shown that LLLT can increase moisture on the eye’s surface by delivering gentle heat and boosting cellular function.

Furthermore, the Dry Eye Research Review 2024 highlights recent local studies testing various new treatments. These include innovative therapies like quantum molecular resonance electrotherapy that could offer additional help for those with persistent dry eye symptoms. Keeping up with this research means you’ll be better informed about the latest options available.

Tips on how to manage your dry eyes

      • Opt for daily disposables to mitigate the build-up of irritants and help alleviate dryness.

      • Rub the lenses when cleaning or disinfecting your contact lenses to remove more deposits than rinsing alone.

      • Experiment with cleaning solutions; other preservative-free types may suit sensitive eyes better.

      • If you live in places with dry air or windy conditions, use rewetting drops to help reduce eye dryness.

      • Choose a hypoallergenic makeup to reduce the risk of irritation.

Conclusion

Choosing the right contact lenses when you have dry eyes means balancing comfort with the right technology. Whether you decide on daily disposables or advanced silicone hydrogel lenses, your goal is to keep your eyes comfortable and healthy. At the same time, exploring emerging treatments like LLLT and staying updated can give you extra support in managing dry eye symptoms.

It’s always a good idea to have a chat with your optometrist to help you decide which option suits your lifestyle and needs best. And remember, there are plenty of resources and research out there to back you up in your journey to better eye health.

References: