Best Contact Lenses for Computer Use: Your Guide to All-Day Comfort at the Screen

If you spend hours staring at a computer, tablet, or smartphone, you know the feeling—dry, tired, irritated eyes that make it hard to focus by mid-afternoon. For contact lens wearers, digital eye strain can turn a productive workday into an uncomfortable struggle.
The good news? The right contact lenses for computer use can make a significant difference. Modern lens technology is specifically designed to combat the challenges of extended screen time, keeping your eyes comfortable and your vision sharp from your first morning email to your last evening scroll.
In this comprehensive guide, we explore why digital screens affect contact lens comfort, which lens features matter most for screen users, and our top recommendations for Australians who spend their days in front of screens.
Why Computer Screens Are Hard on Contact Lens Wearers
When you focus on a digital screen, your blink rate drops by up to 66%. This reduced blinking means your eyes produce fewer tears, and the tears that are produced evaporate faster—especially in air-conditioned offices.
For contact lens wearers, this creates a perfect storm:
| Problem | Effect on Lenses |
|---|---|
| Reduced blinking | Less moisture distributed across lens surface |
| Screen glare | Eyes work harder, increasing fatigue |
| Air conditioning | Accelerates tear evaporation |
| Blue light exposure | May contribute to eye strain |
| Fixed focus distance | Eye muscles tire from sustained near focus |
The result? Lenses that felt comfortable at 9am can feel dry, scratchy, and blurry by 3pm. Many people assume this is just "how contact lenses are"—but it doesn't have to be.
Key Features to Look for in Contact Lenses for Screen Time
Not all contact lenses perform equally during extended computer use. When choosing lenses for digital device users, prioritise these features:
1. High Oxygen Permeability (Dk/t)
Oxygen keeps your corneas healthy and comfortable. Silicone hydrogel lenses allow significantly more oxygen to reach your eyes compared to traditional hydrogel materials.
What to look for: Dk/t values of 100 or higher for optimal breathability.
2. Advanced Moisture Technology
Lenses with built-in wetting agents or moisture-locking technology maintain hydration even when you're blinking less frequently.
What to look for: Terms like "moisture seal," "aqua comfort," or "smart silicone" indicate enhanced hydration features.
3. Stable, Consistent Optics
Digital screens require precise focus. Lenses that shift or move on your eye cause momentary blur that forces your eyes to constantly refocus—adding to fatigue.
What to look for: Aspheric designs and lenses known for stable fit.
4. Daily Disposable Option
Fresh lenses each day mean no protein buildup, no cleaning solutions, and maximum comfort. For heavy screen users, daily disposables often provide the most consistent all-day experience.
Top Contact Lenses for Computer Use in Australia
Based on these criteria, here are our top recommendations for digital device users:
CooperVision Biofinity – Best for Extended Wear
Biofinity lenses are a standout choice for Australians who spend long hours at screens.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Material | Comfilcon A (Silicone Hydrogel) |
| Water Content | 48% |
| Oxygen Permeability | 160 Dk/t |
| Replacement | Monthly |
| Technology | Aquaform® Technology |
Why it works for screen users: Biofinity's Aquaform® Technology locks moisture into the lens while allowing exceptional oxygen flow. The high Dk/t of 160 is among the best available, meaning your eyes stay healthier and more comfortable even during 10+ hour days at the computer.
The monthly replacement schedule also makes Biofinity a cost-effective choice for daily computer users who want premium comfort without the higher cost of daily disposables.
Best for: Office workers, programmers, designers, and anyone with 8+ hours of daily screen time.
CooperVision MyDay – Best Daily Disposable for Screens
For those who prefer the freshness of daily disposables, MyDay lenses deliver exceptional screen-time comfort.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Material | Stenfilcon A (Smart Silicone™) |
| Water Content | 54% |
| Oxygen Permeability | 100 Dk/t |
| Replacement | Daily |
| UV Protection | Class 2 |
Why it works for screen users: Smart Silicone™ technology creates a naturally wettable lens surface that resists drying out. The higher water content (54%) combined with excellent oxygen transmission keeps eyes feeling fresh even in air-conditioned offices.
Best for: Contact lens wearers who want hassle-free daily comfort with no cleaning required.
Bausch + Lomb Ultra – Best for All-Day Reliability
Bausch + Lomb Ultra lenses are engineered specifically for the demands of modern digital lifestyles.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Material | Samfilcon A (Silicone Hydrogel) |
| Water Content | 46% |
| Oxygen Permeability | 163 Dk/t |
| Replacement | Monthly |
| Technology | MoistureSeal® Technology |
Why it works for screen users: MoistureSeal® technology maintains 95% of lens moisture for a full 16 hours. This is specifically designed for people who experience end-of-day dryness—a common complaint among heavy computer users.
Best for: Professionals with long workdays who need lenses that perform from early morning meetings to late evening.
Who Should Consider Specialised Lenses for Computer Use?
You may benefit from switching to screen-optimised contact lenses if you:
- Spend 6+ hours daily on computers, tablets, or smartphones
- Work in air-conditioned or heated office environments
- Experience dry, tired, or irritated eyes by afternoon
- Find yourself removing your lenses early due to discomfort
- Notice blurry vision that comes and goes during screen work
- Use eye drops frequently throughout the day
- Have been told you have mild dry eye syndrome
If several of these apply to you, upgrading to a lens designed for digital demands can significantly improve your daily comfort.
Tips for Reducing Digital Eye Strain with Contact Lenses
Even the best contact lenses benefit from good screen habits. Combine quality lenses with these practices:
The 20-20-20 Rule
Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This relaxes your eye muscles and encourages natural blinking.
Conscious Blinking
Make a deliberate effort to blink fully and frequently when using screens. Partial blinks don't adequately spread tears across your lenses.
Optimise Your Workspace
- Position screens at arm's length
- Reduce overhead lighting glare
- Use a humidifier in dry offices
- Adjust screen brightness to match surroundings
Keep Rewetting Drops Handy
Even with premium lenses, occasional rewetting drops can provide relief during intense work sessions. Choose drops compatible with contact lenses.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking adequate water throughout the day supports healthy tear production.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear any contact lenses for computer work?
While any contact lenses can technically be worn during computer use, lenses with high oxygen permeability and advanced moisture technology provide significantly better comfort for extended screen time. Standard lenses may dry out faster, causing discomfort by mid-afternoon.
How do I know if my current lenses aren't suited for screen work?
Signs include: dry or gritty sensation by afternoon, frequent need for eye drops, blurry vision that clears after blinking, eye fatigue or headaches, and wanting to remove your lenses before the end of the workday.
Are daily disposables better than monthly lenses for computer users?
Both can work well. Daily disposables offer fresh, clean lenses each day with no maintenance. Monthly lenses like Biofinity or Bausch + Lomb Ultra are designed for extended comfort and can be more economical. The best choice depends on your lifestyle and budget.
Should I get computer glasses instead of contact lenses?
This is a personal preference. Many people prefer contact lenses for their natural field of vision and convenience. Some use both—contacts for general wear and blue light glasses over contacts for intensive screen sessions.
How often should I replace my contact lenses if I use computers daily?
Follow your prescribed replacement schedule strictly. For monthly lenses, replace every 30 days regardless of how they feel. Overwearing lenses—especially with heavy screen use—increases the risk of deposits, dryness, and eye health issues.
Can contact lenses cause digital eye strain?
Contact lenses don't cause digital eye strain, but poorly suited lenses can worsen symptoms. Lenses that dry out quickly or don't provide stable vision make your eyes work harder, contributing to fatigue. Choosing appropriate lenses minimises this effect.
Are there contact lenses that block blue light?
Some contact lenses offer UV protection (like CooperVision MyDay with Class 2 UV blocking), but blue light filtering contact lenses are limited. If blue light is a concern, consider blue light filtering glasses worn over your contact lenses.
Find Your Perfect Screen-Time Lenses at BuyContactsOnline.com.au
Digital eye strain doesn't have to be part of your daily routine. With the right contact lenses designed for computer use, you can enjoy clear, comfortable vision from your first login to your last logout.
At BuyContactsOnline.com.au, we stock Australia's widest range of premium contact lenses from trusted brands including CooperVision, Bausch + Lomb, Alcon, and Johnson & Johnson Vision. Whether you prefer the long-lasting comfort of Biofinity, the daily freshness of MyDay, or the moisture-sealed reliability of Bausch + Lomb Ultra, we have the lenses to match your digital lifestyle.
Ready to upgrade your screen-time comfort?
👉 Shop CooperVision Biofinity Lenses for monthly all-day comfort
👉 Shop CooperVision MyDay Lenses for daily disposable freshness
👉 Shop Bausch + Lomb Ultra Lenses for 16-hour moisture protection
Need help choosing? Our friendly team is here to assist. Contact us for expert advice tailored to your prescription and lifestyle.
Always consult your optometrist or eye care professional before changing your contact lens brand or type. Contact lenses should only be worn as prescribed by a qualified eye care provider.