Quick answer

For dry eyes, prioritize monthly lenses with high water content, silicone hydrogel material, and built-in moisture technology. Alcon's Air Optix Plus HydraGlyde and Air Optix Night & Day Aqua are strong contenders, while PureVision 2 HD offers clarity with reduced glare.

Why silicone hydrogel matters for dry eyes

Silicone hydrogel lenses allow more oxygen to reach your cornea than traditional hydrogel lenses. This helps maintain eye health and reduces dryness, especially during extended wear. Most monthly lenses now use silicone hydrogel, but the specific material and its properties vary by brand.

Moisture technology vs. water content

High water content alone doesn't guarantee comfort—moisture retention technology plays a bigger role. Lenses like Air Optix Plus HydraGlyde use a HydraGlyde Moisture Matrix to keep the lens surface hydrated, while Air Optix Night & Day Aqua is designed for flexible wear, including overnight use, which can help if you experience dryness during long hours.

The trade-off: overnight wear vs. daily moisture

Air Optix Night & Day Aqua is approved for up to 30 nights of continuous wear, which can be a game-changer for people with very dry eyes who need consistent moisture. However, if you don't sleep in your lenses, the Air Optix Plus HydraGlyde offers similar comfort with a lower price point and advanced deposit protection.

Decision rules for choosing monthly contacts for dry eyes

  • Check the material: Choose silicone hydrogel (e.g., lotrafilcon B, balafilcon A) over traditional hydrogel. It allows more oxygen and reduces dryness.
  • Look for moisture technology: Prefer lenses with built-in moisture agents like HydraGlyde or HD Optics that reduce glare and halos. These features help maintain comfort in low-light or screen-heavy conditions. If you spend long hours on digital devices, prioritize moisture technology over high water content alone.
  • Consider your wearing schedule: If you often sleep in your lenses or have very dry eyes, Air Optix Night & Day Aqua supports overnight wear. For daytime-only use, Air Optix Plus HydraGlyde offers similar comfort at a lower cost. Overnight wear requires a lens designed for it—don't sleep in lenses not approved for extended wear.
  • Evaluate optical clarity: PureVision 2 HD uses HD Optics to reduce halos and glare, which can help if you drive at night or work under harsh lighting. This can indirectly improve comfort by reducing visual strain. If clarity is a priority, test HD optics—but remember that moisture technology is still key for dry eyes.

Product facts

  • Air Optix Night & Day Aqua - 6 pack: 76% lotrafilcon B silicone hydrogel material; designed for up to 30 nights continuous wear. Ideal for those who need moisture throughout the night or have irregular schedules—but not necessary for daytime-only wearers.

    Air Optix Night & Day Aqua - 6 pack

    Air Optix Night & Day Aqua - 6 pack

  • Air Optix Plus Hydraglyde - 6 Pack: 67% lotrafilcon B with HydraGlyde Moisture Matrix and SmartShield Technology to resist deposits. Great for daily wearers who want consistent moisture and less lens buildup, especially in dry environments.

    Air Optix Plus Hydraglyde - 6 Pack

    Air Optix Plus Hydraglyde - 6 Pack

Who should buy which lens?

Best for

  • People with dry eyes who need overnight wear: Air Optix Night & Day Aqua
  • Daily wearers seeking moisture and deposit resistance: Air Optix Plus HydraGlyde
  • Those who want sharp vision with reduced glare: PureVision 2 HD

Not for

  • Anyone who cannot tolerate silicone hydrogel material—some users may still feel dryness; try a trial pair first.