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Contact lenses for computer users

Medically reviewed by Sharon Copeland on 3rd May 2022

Many of us spend hours upon hours in front of a computer screen. Over time, this can affect our eyes, causing uncomfortable effects for those who wear contact lenses. If you wear contact lenses and spend lots of time on the computer, it's worth looking into lenses with specific features.

Spending too much time in front of a computer screen can have numerous effects on the eyes. Such effects include a reduced blink rate, dry eyes, digital eye strain, redness, tired eyes and blurry vision. Collectively these symptoms are known as computer vision syndrome.

Computer users who require contact lenses will benefit from wearing silicone hydrogel lenses as they can help combat dry eyes. At Feel Good Contacts, we stock silicone hydrogel lenses for daily, monthly, and weekly wear, all at competitive UK prices.

For computer use, we recommend daily silicone hydrogel contact lenses. These are a great option as they are thrown away at the end of each day, preventing deposits from building up on the lenses. Deposits on the lenses can reduce moisture exchange and exacerbate dry eyes caused by too much screen use.

How to choose the best contact lenses for computer users

When choosing the right contact lenses for computer work, we suggest considering the following factors:

Moisture

We tend to blink less frequently when in front of a computer, when we do, our eyes only close part-way. This causes less lubrication which leads to dry eyes and irritation. Therefore, it is a good idea to look for a contact lens designed to keep your eyes moist.

Acuvue Oasys 1-Day with HydraLuxe is an excellent choice for those who spend a hefty amount of time on digital devices or in front of a computer. These lenses feature HydraLuxe technology which offers high-levels of comfort by coating the lenses with tear-like molecules. This keeps them and your eyes moist and hydrated all day long and prevents dry eyes and irritation.

comfi Pure 1 Day is a cheaper alternative and has been specially designed to stand up to the demands of long work shifts and digital screen use.

If you find that you're still experiencing dry and irritated eyes after switching to silicone hydrogel lenses, try and remember to blink more frequently. You may also want to consider rewetting eye drops or speaking to your eye care professional for advice. It could mean that the silicone hydrogel lens is not suitable for you, and you may need to change lenses.

Smooth design

Look for a smoother lens as a lens with a smooth texture creates less friction across the eye’s surface and as a result, causes less irritation. Lenses with a smooth texture can work wonders to reduce eye strain and fatigue caused by prolonged computer use.

A great choice of contact lens for a smooth texture is Dailies Total 1. These silicone hydrogel contact lenses have a silky smooth surface and allow six times the amount of oxygen to reach your eye compared to standard hydrogel lenses.

Acuvue Oasys contact lenses by Johnson & Johnson feature Hydraclear® Plus technology to keep the lenses smooth and ensure that the eyes stay hydrated and comfortable over the course of the day.

High permeability

Silicone hydrogel lenses are highly permeable and keep the eyes feeling fresh by allowing higher levels of oxygen to pass through the lens.

Biofinity Energys is a great example of a breathable contact lens which allows plenty of oxygen to reach the eye for optimal comfort and healthy eyes. This monthly lens is designed for computer use and features Aquaform technology to increase breathability and help the lens to retain moisture. Digital Zone Optics have been built into these lenses to allow seamless vision between your on and off-screen time, minimising the strain and reducing the effects of prolonged screen use on your eyes.

For a cheaper alternative, comfi Air are premium lenses at a very affordable price and have been created with comfort, hygiene and moisture in mind.

Clariti 1 Day by CooperVision is also known for its high oxygen permeability, allowing up to six times the amount of oxygen to pass through to your corneas than most other soft contact lenses.

If you wear coloured contact lenses, consider Air Optix Colors contact lenses. Designed to add depth and vibrancy to your eyes, these coloured contacts come in 12 colours and welcome a good supply of oxygen for fresh and comfortable eyes all day long.