You pop them in. You feel fabulous. And then, somewhere between your second coffee and the 3pm slump, your contact lenses start feeling like sandpaper. Sound familiar?
If you’ve ever found yourself blinking furiously at your laptop screen, resisting the urge to claw out your lenses, you’re not alone. Whether you’re a daily wearer, occasional user or someone who just wants to stop feeling like their eyes are made of kindling, you’re in the right place.
Here, we look at what makes the most comfortable contact lenses actually comfortable – and how to keep them feeling that way, with nine expert tips on choosing the most comfortable contact lenses.
1. Opt for high-moisture lenses
Contact lens technology has come a long way – and comfort is now at the heart of it. With clinical feedback confirming that discomfort is the top reason people stop wearing lenses, the industry has evolved fast. Modern lenses no longer just focus on oxygenation – they deliver lasting, all-day moisture without compromising eye health.
And at the forefront of this eye care revolution? daysoft. Invented by contact lens pioneer Ron Hamilton – the very person who invented daily disposable contact lenses – daysoft continues to innovate with the safest and most comfortable contact lenses on the market. This means high-water content and oxygen-permeable materials that let your eyes breathe and stay moist throughout the day.
Pro tip: If you’re not sure what works for you, ask your optician for trial pairs in different materials. Your corneas will thank you.
2. Clean hands, clear vision
Before you even think about touching your eyes, wash those hands like you’re prepping for surgery. Seriously – no half-hearted splash-and-go here. Use soap, scrub thoroughly for at least 20 seconds and dry your hands with a clean, lint-free towel.
That last part matters more than you think – tap water carries a parasite that can cause your eyes serious damage, while tiny towel fibres can hitch a ride onto your lens and turn comfort into chaos.
Skipping this step is one of the fastest ways to invite bacteria, grime and irritation straight into your eyeballs. Not ideal.
So make it a habit: clean, dry, lint-free hands = comfy, safe lens wear.
3. Hydrate like it’s your job
Contact lens comfort isn’t just about what’s on your eyes – it’s also about what you put in your body. Staying hydrated helps your eyes produce enough natural tears to keep things smooth and friction-free.
If you’re living off espresso and dry crackers, it might be time to reach for a water bottle. Aim for six to eight glasses a day to help maintain eye moisture and support the effectiveness of even the most comfortable contact lenses.
4. Use lubricating eye drops
Even the best lenses can get dry, especially if you’re staring at screens for hours or sitting in a moisture-sucking environment. Enter: lubricating drops.
Keep a preservative-free bottle handy and use as needed. These drops can give your lenses (and your mood) a serious pick-me-up. Just make sure they’re safe for contact lens wearers – your optician can recommend the best options.
5. Take screen breaks
Staring at a screen decreases your blink rate, which means your eyes dry out faster. That’s bad news for contact lens wearers.
Try the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Bonus points if you use the break to actually blink. Read our lowdown on eyes and screens: tips and tricks to avoid eye strain.
6. Keep an eye on air quality
Dry office air, fans, heating systems and pollution can all mess with your lens comfort. Combat these environmental culprits by:
-
Using a humidifier, especially in winter.
-
Avoiding direct airflow from fans and vents.
-
Wearing glasses on high-pollen or smoky days.
Small changes = major comfort wins.
7. Get the right fit (because eyeballs aren’t one-size-fits-all)
If your lenses constantly slip, feel too tight or make your eyes scream “Help!”, it might be a fit issue. Even if you’re using the most comfortable contact lenses according to every review, they won’t work for you unless they actually, well, fit.
An optometrist can measure your eyes precisely and recommend the right base curve and diameter for your unique peepers. Don’t DIY this. Trust us.
8. Just start again
Not vibing with your lenses today? With daily disposables, it’s no big deal – just pop them out and start fresh with a new pair. No rinsing, rubbing or remembering if your case is mouldy. Daily disposable contact lenses are designed to give you the most comfortable contact lens experience with minimal fuss.
9. Don’t ignore the niggles
Even the most comfortable contact lenses can cause the occasional twinge – but if something feels off, don’t power through. Eyes are sensitive little organs, and small irritations can snowball into big problems if ignored. When in doubt, check in with your optometrist. It’s always better to be safe (and see clearly) than sorry.
Here’s what to look out for:
Redness that doesn’t go away
A little redness can be normal, but if your eyes stay bloodshot or feel hot and irritated, it could be a sign of infection.
Excessive watering or discharge
Watery eyes or gunky buildup? Your eye might be trying to flush something out. If it’s persistent, get it checked.
Burning, stinging or sharp pain
Mild discomfort is one thing – sharp, burning pain is another. Remove your lenses and see a professional ASAP.
Even the best lenses can’t outsmart an eye infection. So listen to your body (or, in this case, your eyeballs). Read how to recognise the signs of infection as a contact user for more tips.
Daysoft: the most comfortable contact lenses on the market
Back in the 1980s, Ron Hamilton saw a better way. Frustrated by the sky-high cost of contact lenses and convinced that daily disposables were the most hygienic option, he got to work – literally in a garden annexe. That spark of innovation led to the world’s first daily disposable contact lens and a retail price drop of 99%. But when the original patent was sold and prices stayed high, Ron wasn’t done.
He founded daysoft to finish what he started – building the world’s first lab dedicated solely to daily disposables and cutting out the middleman to sell directly to customers. The result? Over a billion lenses sold worldwide to happy customers, with safety, comfort and affordability built into every box.
Because here’s the truth: there’s no magic bullet for all-day lens comfort. It’s the right lenses and the right habits. Whether you’re brand new to contacts or a seasoned wearer tired of midday dryness, remember the most comfortable contact lenses are only as good as the care routine you give them.
Ready to experience contact lens comfort that lasts all day? Talk to your eye care provider about switching to the most comfortable contact lenses for your needs, and give these tips a try. Your eyes will love you for it.
