Best Contact Lenses of 2025: Top Picks for Comfort, Dry Eyes, and More
Hey, what's up everyone? Dr. Joseph Allen here from the Dr. Eye Health Show. Today, we’re diving into one of the most important topics for anyone who wears contact lenses: the best contact lenses of 2022.
In this video, we're doing things a bit differently. Previously, we focused mostly on daily disposable contact lenses, but with the rapid advancements in lens technology, it’s crucial to expand our scope. This year, we're not just talking about daily lenses—we’re recognizing innovations across various categories, including monthly lenses, lenses for astigmatism, dry eye solutions, and more.
Before we dive in, let me emphasize that this video, like all my content, is not sponsored. The rankings and opinions you’ll hear are based entirely on my experience as both a long-time contact lens wearer and as a professional who has fitted countless patients with lenses over the years. My goal today is to highlight the technological breakthroughs that are reshaping the industry and how they can benefit you, the consumer.
A Note for Viewers: Choosing the Right Lenses
As you watch, you might find yourself intrigued by a lens you’ve never heard of before and want to try it out. That’s great! However, it’s important to remember that everyone’s eyes are unique—different shapes, different prescriptions. The contact lenses that work well for me or others might not be the best fit for you. Always consult with your eye care professional before making any changes to your lens routine. They can provide personalized recommendations based on your specific needs.
The Best Contact Lenses of 2022: Our Top Picks
Now, let’s get started with our first category: Best Daily Soft Disposable Contact Lens of 2022. And the award goes to... Bausch + Lomb Infuse!
Best Daily Soft Disposable Contact Lens: Bausch + Lomb Infuse
The Bausch + Lomb Infuse (also known in some regions as Bausch + Lomb Ultra One Day) has earned this accolade for its groundbreaking advancements in addressing dry eye symptoms, a common issue among contact lens wearers. The Infuse lens incorporates knowledge from the Dry Eye Workshop (DEWS) II, applying this understanding to the design of the lens itself.
What sets the Infuse apart is its innovative material—an advanced silicone hydrogel—that not only offers high oxygen transmissibility, ensuring the eye remains healthy, but is also infused with electrolytes, proteins, and stabilizers that mimic the natural tear film. These components are slowly released into your eye’s tear film, helping to stabilize it and reduce dryness throughout the day. This is a significant leap forward in contact lens technology, making the Infuse lens our top pick for daily disposables in 2022.
If you want to delve deeper into the specifics of why this lens is so remarkable, I’ve done a full review on it, which you can check out through the links provided below.
Moving on to our next category: Best Monthly Contact Lens of 2022.
This year, the award goes to the Alcon Total30.
Best Monthly Contact Lens: Alcon Total30
Alcon has been a leader in contact lens innovation for years, and their Total30 lens is no exception. Launched just over a year ago, the Total30 is an exciting development in monthly contact lenses. It builds on the revolutionary technology first introduced in Alcon's Daily Total1 lens—a water gradient lens that transitions from a more plastic-like material in the center to a nearly 100% water content at the surface. This design significantly reduces friction between the lens and your eyelid, making it one of the most comfortable lenses available today.
But comfort isn’t the only standout feature. The Total30 also includes advanced technology to resist deposits and bacterial buildup, a common issue with monthly lenses that require nightly cleaning and reuse over several weeks. Additionally, Alcon has integrated UV protection that blocks high-energy visible (HEV) light wavelengths, filtering out approximately 35% of harmful blue light in the 400-450 nm range. This makes the Total30 not only comfortable but also protective against some of the modern-day risks posed by extended screen time.
Next up, let’s discuss the Best Bi-Weekly Contact Lens of 2022.
While bi-weekly lenses are becoming less common, the clear winner in this category is Acuvue Oasys.
Best Bi-Weekly Contact Lens: Acuvue Oasys
Acuvue Oasys has been a staple in the contact lens world for years, and it continues to hold its ground as the best bi-weekly lens. Although many companies are phasing out bi-weekly lenses in favor of daily or monthly options, Acuvue Oasys remains popular due to its exceptional comfort and proven track record.
The Oasys lens is made from a silicone hydrogel material that allows for high oxygen transmission, which helps maintain healthy eyes. Its unique Hydraclear Plus technology ensures that the lens stays moist throughout the day, reducing dryness and discomfort. While I won’t go into too much detail here, I have a full review on the Acuvue Oasys that you can check out for more in-depth information.
Now, let’s talk about the Best Contact Lens for Astigmatism in 2022.
This award goes to the Alcon Dailies Total1 for Astigmatism.
Best Contact Lens for Astigmatism: Alcon Dailies Total1 for Astigmatism
Astigmatism presents unique challenges for contact lens manufacturers, as the lenses must provide not only clear vision but also remain stable on the eye. The Dailies Total1 for Astigmatism has excelled in both areas. This lens combines the water gradient technology that Alcon is known for with a specialized design that ensures stability, even during rapid eye movements.
Comfort, vision quality, and stability are all crucial for astigmatism correction, and the Dailies Total1 for Astigmatism excels in all three. The lens’s unique design minimizes rotation on the eye, ensuring that your vision remains crisp and clear throughout the day.
Let’s move on to our next category: Best Contact Lens for Beginners.
The winner here is the Alcon Precision1.
Best Contact Lens for Beginners: Alcon Precision1
For those new to contact lenses, the Alcon Precision1 is an ideal choice. This lens features a great modulus design, which means it holds its shape well—making it easier for beginners to tell if the lens is inside out. This is a crucial feature for new users who are still getting used to the process of inserting and removing contact lenses.
Moreover, Precision1 lenses are designed with comfort in mind. They incorporate similar water gradient technology to other Alcon lenses, ensuring that beginners have a positive first experience with contact lenses. Whether it’s the ease of handling or the comfort throughout the day, Precision1 is the go-to option for those just starting their contact lens journey.
Now, let’s discuss the Best Multifocal Contact Lens of 2022.
This award goes to Acuvue Multifocal Lenses with Pupil Optimized Design.
Best Multifocal Contact Lens: Acuvue Multifocal Lenses with Pupil Optimized Design
Multifocal lenses are designed to help people who need both near and distance correction, and the Acuvue Multifocal lenses have set a new standard in this area. What makes these lenses unique is their pupil-optimized design. As we age, our pupil size changes, and Acuvue has taken this into account by creating lenses that adjust based on the user’s pupil size and prescription. This results in clearer vision across different distances.
Additionally, I want to give an honorable mention to Bausch + Lomb for their Presbyopia lens for Astigmatism, which remains a leader in its category despite being released several years ago. Combining presbyopia and astigmatism correction in one lens is no small feat, and Bausch + Lomb has done an excellent job in this regard.
Next up, we have the Best Color Contact Lens of 2022.
This award goes to the Alcon Air Optix Colors.
Best Color Contact Lens: Alcon Air Optix Colors
Colored contact lenses have always been popular, but the technology behind them hasn’t advanced much in recent years. Despite this, the Alcon Air Optix Colors remain the best choice for those looking to change their eye color while maintaining eye health.
These lenses are built on the Air Optix platform, meaning they offer high oxygen transmissibility—a critical factor in keeping your eyes healthy, especially with colored lenses. The Air Optix Colors are available in both subtle and bold shades, making them suitable for people with both light and dark eyes.
It’s important to note that while many colored lenses on the market are based on outdated technology, the Air Optix Colors lenses are an exception. However, if you’re looking for custom-colored lenses or lenses with a high prescription, it’s best to consult with your eye care provider, who can help you find a solution that’s both safe and effective.
Let’s now move on to the Best Value Lens category.
This award goes to the Iris Contact Lenses.
Best Value Lens: Iris Contact Lenses
When it comes to affordability without compromising on comfort, the Iris Contact Lenses stand out. These daily disposable lenses are designed with a unique wetting agent that enhances comfort throughout the day. Despite their low price—often significantly cheaper than other daily lenses—Iris lenses do not sacrifice quality.
However, one potential downside is that Iris lenses can be harder to find as they are a relatively new company. If you’re If you’re interested in trying Iris lenses, I recommend speaking with your eye care provider to see if they can order them for you or if they know of reputable online retailers that carry them. The combination of comfort, quality, and affordability makes Iris lenses an excellent choice for those looking for value without compromising eye health.
Best Contact Lens for Dry Eyes: CooperVision Biofinity Energys
Next, let’s discuss the Best Contact Lens for Dry Eyes in 2022, which is the CooperVision Biofinity Energys.
Best Contact Lens for Dry Eyes: CooperVision Biofinity Energys
For those who suffer from dry eyes, finding the right contact lens can be a game-changer. The CooperVision Biofinity Energys lenses are specifically designed to alleviate dry eye symptoms, especially for those who spend a lot of time in front of screens.
These lenses use Aquaform Technology, which keeps the lenses naturally moist, reducing the need for rewetting drops throughout the day. Additionally, they have a unique optical design that helps reduce eye strain from prolonged screen time. This makes the Biofinity Energys lenses perfect for anyone who works long hours on a computer or frequently uses digital devices.
Best Contact Lens for Extended Wear: Air Optix Night & Day Aqua
Now, let’s talk about the Best Contact Lens for Extended Wear in 2022, and the winner here is the Air Optix Night & Day Aqua.
Best Contact Lens for Extended Wear: Air Optix Night & Day Aqua
Extended wear lenses are designed to be worn continuously, even while sleeping, for up to 30 days. The Air Optix Night & Day Aqua lenses are one of the few that are FDA-approved for this purpose, making them the best choice for extended wear.
These lenses offer high oxygen transmissibility, which is essential for keeping your eyes healthy during prolonged wear. They are made from a unique silicone hydrogel material that allows six times more oxygen to pass through than traditional soft lenses. This helps maintain eye health and comfort, even after days of continuous wear. However, while these lenses are designed for extended wear, it’s crucial to follow your eye care provider’s recommendations on wear time to avoid any potential risks.
Best Contact Lens for Sports and Active Lifestyles: Nike MAXSIGHT
For those with an active lifestyle, the Best Contact Lens for Sports in 2022 is the Nike MAXSIGHT.
Best Contact Lens for Sports: Nike MAXSIGHT
Nike MAXSIGHT lenses are designed specifically for athletes and individuals who lead an active lifestyle. These lenses not only provide vision correction but also enhance contrast and reduce glare, which is particularly beneficial for outdoor sports.
The lenses are available in two tints—grey-green for sports in bright sunlight and amber for sports in variable light conditions. This tinting improves visual performance by enhancing contrast, making it easier to track fast-moving objects, such as balls, in bright light or against complex backgrounds. Whether you’re on the field, court, or track, Nike MAXSIGHT lenses can give you the visual edge you need.
Best Overall Contact Lens of 2022: Alcon Dailies Total1
Finally, let’s reveal the Best Overall Contact Lens of 2022, and the title goes to the Alcon Dailies Total1.
Best Overall Contact Lens: Alcon Dailies Total1
The Alcon Dailies Total1 lenses have been a favorite among contact lens wearers for years, and it’s no surprise they’ve taken the top spot again in 2022. These daily disposable lenses are the first and only water gradient contact lens, meaning they offer a high water content on the surface, which keeps them extremely comfortable throughout the day.
The Dailies Total1 lenses also provide excellent oxygen transmissibility, which helps maintain eye health. The combination of comfort, vision clarity, and health benefits makes them the best overall lens for daily wear.
Whether you’re new to contact lenses or a seasoned wearer, the Dailies Total1 lenses are worth considering if you’re looking for top-notch performance and comfort.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it—the best contact lenses of 2022, across a variety of categories. It’s been an exciting year in the world of contact lenses, with many innovative products hitting the market. Whether you’re looking for comfort, affordability, or specialized features like UV protection or lenses for sports, there’s something out there for everyone.
Remember, while this guide provides a great starting point, the best contact lens for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. Always consult with your eye care professional before trying a new type of lens.
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