TL;DR
If you wear – or are thinking about wearing – contact lenses, you’ll want to know whether it’s safe to do so with dry eyes.
The short answer is yes, many people with dry eyes do wear contact lenses successfully. But it does require the right approach.
Why contacts and dry eyes can clash
Contact lenses sit directly on the surface of your eye, resting on the tear film – the thin layer of moisture that keeps your cornea protected and your vision clear. If that tear film is already unstable or insufficient, a lens sitting on top of it can make things worse.
Dry eye syndrome occurs when your eyes either don’t produce enough tears or the tears they do produce evaporate too quickly. Symptoms include burning, stinging, a gritty sensation, redness, and – as we explore in our guide on whether dry eyes can cause blurred vision – fluctuating clarity throughout the day.
When you add a contact lens into this environment, it can absorb moisture from the already limited tear film, increasing evaporation and intensifying discomfort. That said, this doesn’t mean contact lenses are off the table – it just means that lens type, wearing habits, and eye care all matter a great deal.
What type of lenses work best for dry eyes?
Not all contact lenses are created equal, and choosing the right type makes a significant difference.
Daily disposable lenses
Daily disposables are generally considered the best option for people with dry eyes. Because they’re worn once and discarded, there’s no protein or deposit build-up that can worsen irritation. Many optometrists recommend these as a first port of call for dry eye sufferers.
Silicone hydrogel lenses
Silicone hydrogel lenses allow significantly more oxygen to reach the cornea than older materials, which helps reduce end-of-day dryness and discomfort. Many modern daily and monthly lenses are made from this material.
Lenses to approach with caution
Extended-wear lenses – those designed to be worn overnight – are generally not recommended for people with dry eyes. Wearing lenses while sleeping further reduces tear circulation, which can exacerbate symptoms and increase the risk of infection.
Older conventional hydrogel lenses can also retain less moisture over time, so if you’ve been in the same lens type for years and your dry eye symptoms have worsened, it may be worth revisiting your prescription with your optometrist.
Practical tips for wearing contacts with dry eyes
Getting the right lens is only part of the solution. How you wear and care for them matters just as much.
- Use lubricating eye drops – look for drops specifically formulated for use with contact lenses (not all eye drops are compatible). Preservative-free artificial tears are often the best choice
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule – every 20 minutes of screen time, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds to encourage blinking and reduce evaporation
- Limit wearing time – if your eyes are struggling, cutting back to part-day wear rather than removing contacts altogether can make a real difference
- Stay well hydrated – dehydration directly affects tear production, so drinking enough water throughout the day supports eye comfort
- Avoid air-conditioned and smoky environments where possible, or use wraparound glasses outdoors on windy days
- Never sleep in your lenses unless they are specifically prescribed for overnight wear
When to speak to your optometrist
If you’re regularly experiencing discomfort while wearing contacts, it’s worth booking an appointment rather than persisting. An optometrist can assess the quality and quantity of your tear film, recommend a more suitable lens type, and may refer you for treatment if your dry eye symptoms are moderate to severe.
Our expert’s opinion
In some cases, managing the underlying dry eye condition first – through prescription eye drops, warm compresses, or omega-3 supplementation – can make contact lens wear far more comfortable in the long run.
Are there alternatives worth considering?
If contact lenses continue to cause persistent discomfort despite trying different types and following the tips above, it may be worth exploring alternatives. Prescription glasses are an obvious option for daily wear, while laser eye surgery – where suitable – can correct vision without the need for lenses altogether. Your optometrist or ophthalmologist can advise on whether you’re a candidate.
The key takeaway
Dry eyes don’t necessarily mean the end of contact lens wear. With the right lens type – ideally daily disposables or silicone hydrogel lenses – combined with good habits and appropriate eye drops, many people with dry eyes wear contacts comfortably every day.
If you’re struggling, don’t just put up with it. Your optometrist can help you find a solution that works for your eyes specifically.
The information in this article is intended for general guidance only and does not replace advice from a qualified eye care professional. If you have concerns about your vision or eye comfort, please contact your optometrist or GP.
