If you have dry, sensitive eyes, wearing contacts can be a real struggle. You might feel that constant itch or gritty sensation that just won’t quit.
We know how frustrating it is to search for comfortable lenses. The wrong choice can leave your eyes feeling worse by the end of the day.
Our team tested seven top lens brands made for this issue. We looked at moisture retention, comfort over hours, and overall feel.
This review shares our honest findings. We’ll help you find lenses that actually work for your sensitive eyes.
| Product Image | Product Name | Best For | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Refresh Contacts, Eye Drops For Dry Eyes | Contact-Safe Formula | PRICES |
 |
Bausch & Lomb Sensitive Eyes Saline Solution | Preservative-Free Solution | PRICES |
 |
Menicon Progent Biweekly Contact Lens Cleaner | Protein Buildup Removal | PRICES |
Refresh Contacts, Eye Drops For Dry Eyes
If your contact lenses feel gritty and dry halfway through the day, these drops are a lifesaver.
Refresh Contacts eye drops are specially made to use while your lenses are in. They add moisture and comfort without causing blurry vision. The formula is gentle and sterile, so it’s safe for sensitive eyes.
The bottle is small enough to carry in your pocket or purse. I find the single-dose vials very convenient for keeping a fresh supply on hand wherever I go.
Pros:
👍 Can be used with contacts in
👍 Provides instant relief from dryness
👍 Doesn’t cause blurry vision
👍 Sterile and preservative-free formula
👍 Comes in convenient single-use vials
Cons:
👎 The small vials can generate plastic waste
👎 More expensive per ounce than larger bottles
👎 You need to carry several vials for all-day use
My Honest Opinion:
These are my go-to drops for contact lens discomfort. They work quickly and don’t mess up my vision, which is a huge plus. I always keep a few vials in my bag for emergencies.
Bausch & Lomb Sensitive Eyes Saline Solution
This simple saline solution is a gentle hero for rinsing and storing your lenses without any harsh additives.
It’s a pure, preservative-free saline that’s perfect for sensitive eyes. You can use it to rinse both soft and rigid gas permeable lenses. It helps remove debris and keeps your lenses comfortable.
The formula is very mild and shouldn’t cause irritation. It comes in a convenient twin-pack, so you always have a backup bottle ready.
Pros:
👍 Preservative-free and gentle
👍 Works for both soft and gas permeable lenses
👍 Great for rinsing away irritants
👍 Simple, no-frills formula
👍 Comes in a handy two-pack
Cons:
👎 Not a disinfecting solution
👎 Basic rinse/storage function only
👎 Some may prefer a multi-purpose solution
My Honest Opinion:
This is my go-to for a final rinse before putting my lenses in. It’s incredibly gentle and never stings, even on my most sensitive days. If you just need a pure saline for rinsing, it’s a fantastic and affordable choice.
Menicon Progent Biweekly Contact Lens Cleaner
This biweekly cleaner is a powerful secret weapon for keeping your lenses fresh and comfortable.
It’s designed for a deep clean every two weeks to remove stubborn protein deposits. These deposits can make lenses feel gritty and irritate sensitive eyes. A clean lens is a more comfortable lens.
The system comes with seven pre-measured treatments, making it super simple to use. You just soak your lenses in the solution for the recommended time. It helps extend the life and clarity of your biweekly or monthly lenses.
Pros:
👍 Removes tough protein buildup effectively
👍 Pre-measured packets for easy, no-mess use
👍 Helps lenses stay comfortable longer
👍 Can improve lens clarity and vision
👍 Extends the usable life of your lenses
Cons:
👎 Requires planning for biweekly treatment
👎 An extra step in your lens care routine
👎 Not for daily use; it’s a supplemental cleaner
My Honest Opinion:
If protein buildup is a major cause of your discomfort, this is a fantastic solution. It’s not an everyday item, but using it every two weeks can make a noticeable difference in how your lenses feel, especially towards the end of their wear cycle.
Buyer’s Guide: 3 Key Factors to Consider
Lens Material & Hydration
For dry, sensitive eyes, the lens material is everything. Look for daily disposable lenses made from silicone hydrogel, as they allow more oxygen to reach your eye and often have built-in moisture technology. Avoid lenses that are known to dry out quickly.
Solution Compatibility
Not all solutions work with all lenses. Always use the solution recommended by your eye doctor or the lens manufacturer. For sensitive eyes, choose a preservative-free saline or a peroxide-based cleaning system like Menicon Progent for a deep, gentle clean.
Lens Replacement Schedule
More frequent replacement means less buildup of irritants. Daily disposable lenses are often the best choice for dry, sensitive eyes because you get a fresh, sterile pair every day. If you use bi-weekly or monthly lenses, strict cleaning is non-negotiable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which contact lenses are best for extremely dry eyes?
Daily disposable silicone hydrogel lenses are typically the top recommendation. Brands like Acuvue Oasys 1-Day or Dailies Total1 are specifically engineered for high moisture retention and comfort throughout the day.
Can I use regular eye drops with my contacts?
No, you must use lubricating drops that are specifically labeled for use with contact lenses. Regular eye drops can contain preservatives that damage the lens material and irritate your eyes.
How often should I clean my contact lens case?
You should rinse your case with fresh solution daily and let it air dry. Replace your contact lens case at least every three months to prevent bacterial growth that can cause infections.
What’s the difference between saline and multipurpose solution?
Saline solution, like Bausch & Lomb Sensitive Eyes, is only for rinsing and storing lenses—it does not clean or disinfect. Multipurpose solution cleans, rinses, disinfects, and stores lenses all in one.
Why do my contacts get uncomfortable in the afternoon?
This is often due to lens dehydration. As the day goes on, moisture evaporates from the lens. Using rewetting drops formulated for contacts and ensuring you’re well-hydrated can help combat this.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
For immediate relief and daily maintenance, Refresh Contacts Eye Drops are an essential companion for any lens wearer with dryness. For safe and gentle storage and rinsing, Bausch & Lomb Sensitive Eyes Saline Solution is a reliable, trusted choice. To tackle the root cause of protein buildup that irritates sensitive eyes, a biweekly deep clean with Menicon Progent is highly effective.
Managing dry, sensitive eyes requires a system: the right lenses, proper daily solution, and periodic deep cleaning. Start with these proven products to build your comfort routine.