The Best Contact Lenses for Sensitive Eyes.

For many people, contact lenses offer freedom from glasses, but if you have sensitive eyes, finding the right contact lenses can feel like a challenge. Dryness, irritation, redness, and discomfort can all interfere with daily wear and make lenses difficult to tolerate. Fortunately, not all lenses are created equal, and there are options specifically designed to be more compatible with sensitive eyes. Here’s what you need to know if your eyes are more sensitive than most.

Understanding Sensitivity: What Causes Discomfort?

Eye sensitivity varies from person to person. You might experience discomfort from dry eyes, allergies, lens material, oxygen flow, or even the cleaning solution you use. Symptoms of sensitivity include burning, stinging, itching, excessive watering, or the constant urge to remove your lenses.

If you’ve struggled with contact lenses in the past, it doesn’t necessarily mean you need to give up on them. It may just be a matter of finding the right fit for your eyes.

Daily Disposable Lenses: The Gold Standard for Comfort

For patients with sensitive eyes, daily disposable lenses are often the first and best option. These single-use lenses are worn once and then discarded, which means there's less buildup of allergens, debris, or proteins that can cause irritation. Because you're putting in a fresh lens every day, the risk of infection is also reduced.

Many of the newest daily lenses are made from ultra-breathable materials that retain moisture and allow high levels of oxygen to reach the eye. This results in a more comfortable, hydrating experience, even for those who typically feel dryness with lenses.

Our Optometrist can help you explore daily lenses like Dailies Total 1, Acuvue Oasys 1-Day, Bausch & Lomb Ultra 1-Day and other options during a contact lens fitting tailored to your needs.

Silicone Hydrogel: High Oxygen for Healthier Eyes

Silicone hydrogel lenses allows more oxygen to reach the cornea compared to older lens types, which can help reduce redness and irritation, especially if you wear your lenses for long hours.

If you’ve previously been fitted with standard hydrogel lenses and found them uncomfortable, switching to a silicone hydrogel version may make a noticeable difference in how your eyes feel throughout the day.

Lenses for Dry Eye Relief

Many people with sensitive eyes also suffer from mild or chronic dry eye syndrome, particularly those who spend long hours on screens or in air-conditioned environments. In these cases, lenses with built-in moisture technology can be helpful.

Brands like Bausch & Lomb Ultra 1 day or Acuvue Oasys with Hydraluxe are designed to mimic the eye’s natural tear film and stay hydrated for extended comfort. We can also recommend lubricating eye drops that are safe for use with contact lenses, available through our practice.

If your dry eye symptoms persist, a comprehensive eye exam can help identify the cause and determine whether contact lenses are still the best option for you.

Don’t Overlook the Lens Solution

If you use reusable contact lenses, the solution you clean and store them in can have a significant impact on comfort. Some multipurpose solutions contain preservatives that can irritate sensitive eyes. In these cases, switching to a hydrogen peroxide-based system can make a big difference.

Our team can guide you on lens care routines and recommend the most eye-friendly products based on your lens type and sensitivity level.

We’ll Help You Find the Right Fit

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to contact lenses, especially for those with sensitive eyes. That’s why we take the time to understand your needs, trial different options, and find a lens that feels good and performs well.

At The Eyecare Spot, our contact lens fittings include a detailed assessment of your eye health, tear quality, and lifestyle requirements. Whether you're trying lenses for the first time or revisiting them after a break, we’re here to help you find a solution that prioritises comfort and safety.