Contact Lens Comfort Hacks: Your Guide to Happier Eyes

If you wear contact lenses, you’ve probably had those days where your eyes feel dry, gritty, or just off. The good news? You’re not alone — and there’s a lot you can do to make contacts more comfortable. From knowing why discomfort happens to stocking up on smart solutions (hello, Costco!), a few easy tweaks can make a big difference.

Why Contact Lens Discomfort Happens

Even the most seasoned contact lens wearer can experience irritation now and then. Common culprits include:

• Dry air (especially from heaters, A/C, or flying)

• Extended screen time, which reduces blinking

• Seasonal allergies

• Wearing lenses too long

• Poor tear film quality

• Old or dirty lenses

In some cases, your lenses themselves may not be the best match for your eyes anymore — but more on that later. First, let’s talk about what you can do right now.

My Top Costco Comfort Solutions

Costco is a surprisingly solid place to stock up on contact-friendly eye care. Here are four comfort game-changers I recommend:

1. Refresh or Systane Preservative-Free Artificial Tears

Dry eye is the #1 cause of contact lens discomfort. Preservative-free drops like Refresh Relieva PF or Systane Ultra PF are gentle, hydrating, and safe to use with lenses. Use them before inserting your lenses and after removal. You can even use them mid-day — just take the lenses out first if you can.

💡 Pro Tip: Avoid redness-relief drops (like Visine) — they shrink blood vessels but don’t solve dryness.

2. Pataday Once Daily Relief (for allergy season)

If allergies are making your eyes itchy or watery, Pataday is a powerful antihistamine drop that calms symptoms without the dryness side effect of oral allergy meds. It's available OTC at Costco and safe to use with contacts (apply it at least 10 minutes before lens insertion).

3. Consider Daily Disposable Contact Lenses

If comfort is a daily struggle, switching to daily disposables might be your best move. These lenses are ultra-breathable, stay moist longer, and you get a fresh, clean pair every day — which means fewer protein deposits and less irritation.

One great option? Kirkland Signature Premium Daily Disposable lenses, powered by CooperVision’s MyDay technology. They combine comfort, UV protection, and high oxygen flow — all at Costco’s member pricing.

👁️‍🗨️ Bonus: No cleaning, no cases — just open, wear, and toss.

Pro Tips for Keeping Contacts Comfortable

Whether you’re new to lenses or have been wearing them for years, these habits can help:

• Follow the replacement schedule. Don’t stretch your lenses longer than prescribed — it’s not worth the discomfort or risk.

• Give your eyes a break. Switch to glasses in the evening or on screen-heavy days.

• Use a clean lens case and replace it every 1–3 months.

• Rub your lenses when cleaning (even if using a “no rub” solution) — it makes a difference.

• Blink more often, especially when staring at screens. Try the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

• Consider switching lens types — some brands hold moisture better or are designed for sensitive eyes.

💬 Not sure which brand is best for you? That’s where your eye doctor comes in.

When to See Your Eye Doctor

Contact lens discomfort isn’t something you should just “put up with.” It’s often fixable — but the right solution depends on what’s really going on with your eyes. Book an exam if:

• You feel dryness or irritation almost daily

• Your vision fluctuates throughout the day

• You’ve started using drops constantly to stay comfortable

• Your lenses feel uncomfortable earlier in the day than they used to

• You’re curious if there’s a better lens option for your eyes

A proper contact lens evaluation can check your tear film, lens fit, eye health, and more. Plus, newer lens technologies may be more breathable, hydrating, or allergy-friendly than what you’re wearing now.

Time to Level Up Your Contact Lens Comfort

Your eyes deserve to feel good every day — not just the first hour after you put in your lenses. Small changes and the right products can make a huge difference, but nothing replaces a personalized eye exam.

👉 Ready for clearer, more comfortable vision? Book your contact lens exam today.