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Best Daily Contact Lenses for Dry Eyes in Australia (2025)

30th Jun 2025

lens-world-au-best-daily-contact-lenses-for-dry-eyes-australia-2025

It's no surprise that dry, gritty eyes are a growing problem in Australia. Between long days on screens, harsh UV rays, and seasonal bushfire smoke, nearly half a million of us are already dealing with it. The good news is you don't have to trade clear vision for comfort—modern daily contact lenses and a few smart habits can make all the difference.

Why Dry Eye Is So Common Down Under

Dry eye syndrome has become as common as complaints about the weather, and there's good reason why we Aussies are particularly prone to this uncomfortable condition.

Our unique climate, lifestyle habits, and environmental challenges create what experts call a "perfect storm" for dry eyes, and here's why:

1. Blistering UV Every Summer

The Cancer Council rates UV Index 11+ as "extreme" – and most Aussie capitals regularly smash well above that mark during summer. This relentless radiation doesn't just burn your skin; it destabilises your tear film and inflames your eye surface.

Bottom line: UV-blocking lenses and wraparound sunnies aren't luxury items – they're essential eye protection.

2. Bushfire & Hazard-Reduction Smoke

Fine PM₂.₅ particles irritate and dehydrate the eye surface. During the 2019-20 Black Summer fires, ≈ 65% of surveyed NSW residents reported smoke-related eye symptoms.

On smoky days, stay indoors, run the aircon on recirculate, and keep preservative-free drops handy.

3. Screens Slash Our Blink Rate

We blink 66% less while using screens, and Aussies clock up roughly 6 hours 14 minutes of screen time daily – among the world's heaviest usage. Less blinking means faster tear evaporation.

Follow the 20-20-20 rule (look 6 metres away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes) and blink consciously while on screens.

4. Age, Hormones and Common Medications

Natural tear decline with age, pregnancy, perimenopause, and everyday medications like antihistamines or beta-blockers all contribute to dry eyes.

Simple changes like using humidifiers, good lid hygiene, and chatting with your optometrist about medication effects can help at any life stage.

The takeaway: Aussie eyes battle extreme UV, seasonal smoke, marathon screen time, and natural body changes. Tackle even one of these factors and you'll notice the difference.

Understanding Lens Materials

  • Soft Hydrogel – High-water content lenses that feel comfortable initially but can absorb tears from your eye surface over time.
  • Silicone-Hydrogel – Advanced materials allowing up to 5× more oxygen to reach your cornea compared to standard hydrogels, reducing oxygen-related dryness.
  • Rigid Gas-Permeable (RGP) – Durable lenses with excellent optics, particularly beneficial for irregular corneas. They maintain moisture well as they don't absorb your natural tears.
  • Scleral Lenses – Larger lenses that vault over the cornea and create a protective tear reservoir. Australian clinics are increasingly fitting "mini-sclerals" for persistent dry eye cases.

Daily disposables remain the gold standard for most dry eye sufferers, as fresh lenses eliminate the buildup of deposits that can worsen symptoms.

Best Daily Contact Lenses for Dry Eyes in Australia (2025)

Best Daily Contact Lenses for Dry Eyes in Australia (2025) Infographic

    Dailies Total 1

    Technology: Revolutionary water-gradient surface that's almost entirely water at the lens-eye interface, with smart wetting agents that activate when dryness is detected.

    The unique gradient design means your eye only touches pure water, while the core maintains structural integrity. As our customer Lyndsay from WA puts it: "These are the most comfortable contact lenses I have ever worn." Danny, who's been wearing contacts for over 30 years, confirms they "exceeded my expectations" and calls them "the most comfortable lenses without doubt."

    Best for: Those seeking premium comfort in a contact lenses who don't mind paying extra

    Trade-offs: Higher cost and requires gentle handling, though users like Elizabeth appreciate that they "don't move around on my eyes like other brands."

    Precision 1

    Technology: SmartSurface™ technology that locks moisture into the lens surface, creating an optimal balance between hydration and oxygen flow.

    The moisture-locking system maintains consistent hydration throughout the day while allowing your eyes to breathe naturally. This makes them particularly suitable for sensitive eyes that need reliable comfort without compromising on breathability.

    Best for: Daily wear with dependable comfort at a reasonable price point.

    Trade-offs: Limited options for those requiring toric (astigmatism) or multifocal prescriptions

    Acuvue Oasys 1-Day

    Technology: HydraLuxe® technology creates a moisture-rich layer that mimics your natural tear film, combined with Class 1 UV protection blocking 99% of UVB rays.

    The dual benefit of superior hydration and UV protection makes these ideal for Australian conditions. Zoe from NSW found them "very comfortable" with "eyes not too dry or tired after long-time wear," while Aurelia from Victoria says they "feel like the best fit for my allergic dry eyes."

    Best for: Active lifestyles and high UV exposure

    Trade-offs: Premium pricing reflects the advanced technology and UV protection

    Bausch + Lomb Ultra One Day

    Technology: Next-generation silicone hydrogel infused with moisturising agents and electrolytes that help stabilise your tear film throughout the day.

    The electrolyte-enhanced material actively supports your natural tear chemistry. As Kanyanatt K. notes, they're "among the best contact lenses for long wearing," while Harry P. from Australia finds them "comfortable to wear" and "relatively easy to place and remove."

    Best for: Long workdays and extended digital device use

    Trade-offs: Requires an initial adjustment period for handling, but users find the comfort worth the learning curve

    Note: These recommendations are based on eye care professionals' perspectives and opinions.

    Australian UV levels can reach 14-17 in northern regions during summer, well above the "extreme" threshold. Class 1 UV-blocking contact lenses combined with wraparound sunglasses provide comprehensive eye protection essential for our climate.

    Costs, rebates & prescriptions 

    • Private Health Insurance: Most extras policies provide $120-$240 annual coverage for contact lenses. Many providers offer instant claiming through HICAPS systems. Check your policy to see how much you can claim.
    • Medicare Coverage: Your eye test and consultation with an optometrist are typically covered by Medicare. However, Medicare does not cover the cost of the contact lenses themselves
    • Regulatory Requirements: Contact lenses are classified as Class IIa medical devices in Australia, requiring a valid prescription from a qualified practitioner.

    You must have a valid contact lens prescription from a registered Australian optometrist.

    Evidence-Based Self-Care Strategies

    1. Daily disposable lenses to prevent deposit accumulation
    2. Warm compresses (5 minutes, twice daily) to support meibomian gland function
    3. Preservative-free lubricating drops during high-risk periods (smoke, air conditioning)
    4. Conscious blinking exercises with regular reminders
    5. Environmental humidity control and ergonomic screen positioning

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Are contact lenses covered by Medicare? 

    No, Medicare covers eye examinations only. Contact lenses are claimed through private health insurance extras cover.

    Which daily lens offers the highest water content? 

    Dailies Total 1 features the highest surface water content, approaching 100% at the lens-eye interface.

    Do UV-blocking lenses eliminate the need for sunglasses? 

    No, contact lenses protect the cornea, but sunglasses remain necessary for comprehensive eye and eyelid protection.

    Conclusion

    There's no one-brand-fits-all when it comes to contact lenses for dry eyes. We recommend consulting your eye care professional to ensure the best contact lens fits you.

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