The 5 Best Daily Contacts for Dry Eyes

Dry eyes are one of the most common complaints among contact lens wearers. Whether it’s a stinging sensation, end-of-day discomfort, or a general feeling of dryness, these symptoms can make wearing lenses frustrating.

But having dry eyes doesn’t mean you have to give up on contacts. The right contact lenses can make a huge difference in comfort. This guide will help you find the best contacts for dry eyes by explaining what causes dryness, what features to look for, and which lenses are most highly rated by both eye care professionals and wearers.

What Causes Dry Eyes With Contact Lenses?

Dry eyes can occur when your eyes don’t produce enough tears, or when the tears you do have evaporate too quickly. Contacts can contribute to or worsen this problem. Below are the most common reasons contact lens wearers experience dry eyes:

• Reduced blinking during screen time: When you use a computer, phone, or tablet, you blink less often. This can cause your tears to evaporate faster, drying out both your eyes and your lenses.
• Dry indoor or outdoor environments: Air conditioning, heaters, fans, and dry climates can all reduce ambient humidity, making it harder for your lenses and eyes to stay hydrated.
• Wearing lenses too long: Even high-quality contacts lose moisture over time. If you wear them beyond their recommended duration — even for a few extra hours — they may start to feel dry and uncomfortable.
• Lens material and design: Not all lenses are created equal. Some older or low-moisture designs can absorb your natural tears or reduce oxygen flow, both of which lead to dryness.
• Allergies and environmental irritants: Pollen, dust, smoke, and other allergens can irritate the eyes and cause inflammation, which disrupts tear production and leads to dryness, especially when trapped behind contact lenses.
• Underlying eye conditions: Chronic dry eye syndrome, meibomian gland dysfunction, and blepharitis can reduce tear quality or volume. Wearing contacts without properly treating these medical conditions often makes symptoms worse without proper treatment.
• Improper lens care (for reusables): Inadequate cleaning or using solutions that irritate your eyes can lead to lens deposits and surface dryness.
• Medications and health conditions: Antihistamines, antidepressants, birth control pills, and even some acne medications can reduce tear production. Autoimmune conditions, like Sjögren’s syndrome, are also known to cause dry eyes.
• Hormonal changes: Hormones play a role in tear production. Pregnancy, menopause, and aging can all affect eye moisture levels and make contact lenses feel drier.

Are Daily or Monthly Contacts Better for Dry Eyes?

Unless you have specific needs that require a monthly lens, such as cost constraints or unique prescriptions, daily disposable contact lenses are almost always the better choice for managing dry eyes. They offer a fresh, clean lens every day, which helps reduce the buildup of proteins, allergens, and debris that can irritate the eyes and disrupt your tear film. Here’s how daily and monthly lenses compare for people with dry eyes:

The 5 Best Daily Contacts for Dry Eyes

With so many daily contact lenses on the market, it can be hard to know which ones actually relieve dry eyes. The best options are engineered to keep your eyes moist, comfortable, and clear from morning to night.

Based on eye care professional recommendations, lens technology, and customer satisfaction, here are our top five daily contacts for dry eyes, ranked from great to absolute best.

5. Precision 1 One-Day Contact Lenses by Alcon

Precision 1 one-day contact lenses are a fantastic starting point for dry-eye relief, offering dependable hydration and breathability in a convenient daily format. Built with SmartSurface® Technology, each lens holds a permanent, micro-thin layer of moisture on the surface with over 80% water content to create a natural feel, reduce dryness, and maintain moisture throughout the day.

Backed by a breathable silicone hydrogel core, Precision 1 is a solid choice for people with mild to moderate dryness or those new to daily disposable lenses. If you’re looking for a simple, low-maintenance lens that still delivers comfort, Precision 1 is worth considering, and it’s available in the following options:

• Precision 1 30 Pack
• Precision 1 90 Pack
• Precision 1 for Astigmatism 30 Pack
• Precision 1 for Astigmatism 90 Pack

4. Biotrue ONEday Lenses by Bausch + Lomb

Biotrue ONEday lenses are designed to work like your eye’s surface. Made from HyperGel, a bioinspired material, these lenses mimic the moisture content and surface structure of your eye’s natural tear film. With a 78% water content (the same as your cornea) and a lipid-layer-like surface, they’re built to retain moisture and prevent dryness all day long.

These Biotrue lenses are a great option for people with moderate dry eye symptoms, especially if you spend long hours on screens or in low-humidity environments. The non-silicone design also allows for natural oxygen flow, helping eyes stay white and healthy. For added convenience and protection, they include UV filters and high-definition optics to reduce glare in challenging lighting. Biotrue ONEday offers multiple specialty options, including astigmatism and presbyopia:

• Biotrue ONEday 30 Pack
• Biotrue ONEday 90 Pack
• Biotrue ONEday for Astigmatism 30 Pack
• Biotrue ONEday for Astigmatism 90 Pack
• Biotrue ONEday for Presbyopia 30 Pack
• Biotrue ONEday for Presbyopia 90 Pack

3. 1-Day Acuvue Moist with Laceron Technology

1-Day Acuvue Moist is a trusted favourite for people with dry or sensitive eyes who want simplicity and all-day comfort. These lenses use LACREON® Technology, which embeds a long-lasting moisturizing agent directly into the lens material, not just on the surface. The result is a soft, cushioned feel that holds up through hours of wear, even for allergy sufferers or those prone to irritation.

With breathable materials that allow up to 88% oxygen flow and built-in UV protection, these Acuvue lenses check the boxes for comfort and eye health. They’re not quite as advanced as some of the newer hydration systems on the market, which is why they come in at number three, but they continue to earn high marks for reliability and comfort. You’ll find a full range of specialty options for different needs:

• 1-Day Acuvue Moist 30 Pack
• 1-Day Acuvue Moist 90 Pack
• 1-Day Acuvue Moist for Astigmatism 30 Pack
• 1-Day Acuvue Moist for Astigmatism 90 Pack
• 1-Day Accuvue Moist Multifocal 30 Pack
• 1-Day Accuvue Moist Multifocal 90 Pack

2. Dailies Total 1 Water-Gradiant One-Day Contact Lenses

Dailies Total 1 lenses have become a go-to for dry eye sufferers thanks to their unique Water Gradient design. These high-water content lenses start with 33% water at the core and ramp up to over 80% water at the outermost surface. This creates a smooth, cushion-like layer of moisture that mimics the natural tear film and keeps your eyes hydrated throughout the day.

These Dailies from Alcon are also made with a highly breathable silicone hydrogel material that offers high oxygen permeability, making them six times more breathable than many other soft contact lenses. The result is consistently clear, fresh-feeling eyes, even in dry indoor air or after long hours of wear. While they offer outstanding hydration and breathability, a slightly less natural tear integration keeps them just shy of the top spot. You can find Dailies Total 1 lenses in the following options:

• Dailies Total 1 30 Pack
• Dailies Total 1 90 Pack
• Dailies Total 1 Multifocal 30 Pack
• Dailies Total 1 Multifocal 90 Pack

OUR #1 RECOMMENDED DAILY CONTACT FOR DRY EYES: Acuvue Oasys 1-Day with HydraLuxe

Acuvue Oasys 1-Day with HydraLuxe is widely regarded as the top choice for dry eye sufferers, and with good reason. These lenses use HydraLuxe Technology, which goes beyond surface hydration by infusing the lens with tear-like molecules that closely match the natural structure and chemistry of your eyes’ tear film.

Unlike lenses that rely on external coatings, Acuvue Oasys integrates hydration into the lens itself. This helps stabilize your tear film, reduce fatigue and dryness, and deliver consistently clear vision, even in dry or screen-heavy environments. The ultra-smooth surface enhances blink response and reduces friction, making them exceptionally comfortable lenses for sensitive eyes.

They also offer Class 1 protection from UVA rays and UVB rays, and enlarged optics to improve vision in low-light conditions. Available in both standard and toric designs, these lenses are our gold standard for all-day hydration and comfort.

• Acuvue Oasys 1-Day with Hydraluxe 30 Pack
• Acuvue Oasys 1-Day with Hydraluxe 90 Pack
• Acuvue Oasys 1-Day with Hydraluxe for Astigmatism 30 Pack
• Acuvue Oasys 1-Day with Hydraluxe for Astigmatism 90 Pack

Additional Options Worth Considering

Acuvue Oasys MAX 1-Day is one of the most advanced lenses available, designed for comfort and clarity in today’s screen-filled world. It builds on the trusted Oasys platform with TearStable™ Technology for longer-lasting hydration and OptiBlue™ Light Filter to reduce glare and improve contrast, especially helpful for those who work long hours on digital devices.

While Acuvue MAX offers high-performance comfort, it’s still relatively new compared to other lenses on this list. As a result, it hasn’t achieved the same widespread adoption or long-term track record as our top five picks. But for those prioritizing digital eye strain relief and cutting-edge materials, it’s absolutely worth considering. Acuvue MAX are available in the following options:

• Acuvue Oasys MAX 1-Day 30 Pack
• Acuvue Oasys MAX 1-Day 90 Pack
• Acuvue Oasys MAX 1-Day Multifocal 30 Pack
• Acuvue Oasys MAX 1-Day Multifocal 90 Pack

Strong Monthly Lens Contenders

While our top five choices are the best daily lenses for dry eyes, several monthly contact lenses also offer excellent hydration and comfort. These monthly options didn’t make the list due to their replacement schedule rather than performance. For wearers who prefer monthly lenses or need a more cost-effective option, the following picks offer strong moisture retention, breathability, and advanced features worth considering.

• Acuvue Vita (Monthly): Designed for continuous hydration throughout the month, Acuvue Vita is a silicone hydrogel lens that maintains a fully comfortable wear cycle. It’s a good choice for users who prefer monthly lenses but still struggle with dryness late in the month.
• Bausch + Lomb ULTRA (Monthly): With MoistureSeal™ Technology, ULTRA lenses retain 95% of moisture for up to 16 hours, ideal for long days and digital lifestyles. Though not a daily lens, it’s a standout among monthly options for dry eyes.
• Air Optix Plus HydraGlyde (Monthly): These lenses combine SmartShield® and HydraGlyde® Moisture Matrix technologies to create a breathable, deposit-resistant lens with long-lasting hydration. Air Optix Plus HydraGlyde is great for monthly wearers who experience dry eyes by the end of the day.
• CooperVision Biofinity / Biofinity Energys (Monthly): Biofinity uses Aquaform® Technology to lock in more moisture and promote oxygen transmission, while the Energys version adds support for screen-heavy habits. Both are comfortable, breathable contact lens choices for extended wear periods.

Additionally, people with severe dry eye or certain corneal conditions may benefit from specialty contacts like scleral lenses. These large-diameter rigid lenses vault over the cornea and hold a reservoir of fluid against the eye, providing both vision correction and therapeutic moisture. Talk to your optometrist to see if scleral lenses are a fit for your specific needs.

Tips for Wearing Contact Lenses With Dry Eyes

Even with high-quality daily lenses, dry eyes can still creep in, especially during allergy season, long workdays, or harsh weather. These tips can help you stay comfortable, protect your eyes, and get the most from your contacts.

• Use preservative-free rewetting drops. Choose preservative-free artificial tears to avoid irritation. You can store them in the fridge, and the cooling effect may help reduce inflammation and discomfort.
• Take regular blinking breaks. Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds and blink fully. This helps reset your tear film and reduce digital eye strain.
• Apply warm compresses to your eyelids. Daily warm compresses can help unclog your meibomian glands, which produce the oily layer of your tears. This helps reduce tear evaporation and supports long-term hydration.
• Avoid direct air and low-humidity environments. Air conditioning, car vents, and dry climates can dry out both your lenses and your eyes. Use a humidifier at home and aim vents away from your face.
• Stay hydrated. Dehydration reduces tear production. Drink enough water throughout the day to support your body’s natural ability to lubricate your eyes.
• Wear wraparound sunglasses outdoors. Wind and UV rays can dry out your lenses quickly. Wraparound sunglasses provide extra protection and help preserve your tear film while outside.
• Handle your lenses properly. Wash your hands before touching lenses and never reuse daily disposables. Always stick to the prescribed contact lens wear schedule, even if the lenses feel fine.
• Know your medications. Medications like antihistamines, antidepressants, acne treatments, and birth control pills can reduce tear production. If you suspect your medications are affecting your eyes, speak with your doctor.
• Talk to your eye doctor if symptoms persist. If your eyes still feel dry despite using the right lenses and proper care habits, you might have a treatable condition, like dry eye syndrome or blepharitis. Your eye care provider can help identify the cause and recommend targeted treatment.

Find the Best Contact Lenses for Your Dry Eyes

Finding the right daily contact lenses for already dry eyes can take some trial and error, but starting with clinically trusted, moisture-retaining brands is a smart first step. Pay attention to how your eyes feel throughout the day and don’t hesitate to try a different lens if dryness builds over time. Your optometrist can help you find the proper fit based on your prescription, lifestyle, and tear quality.

When you’re ready to order, ContactsForLess.ca offers unbeatable prices, fast delivery, and top brands trusted by eye care professionals across Canada. As a proudly Canadian-owned company, we provide free shipping on every order and support the planet by donating over half our profits to environmental causes. Whether you’re a first-time wearer or looking to upgrade your comfort, we make it easy to get the lenses you need, at a price that feels just as good.