The current state of contact lens technology

Contact lens technology is entering a period of accelerated innovation, reshaping how optometrists address refractive correction, ocular health, and patient lifestyle demands. Advances in material science, surface chemistry, and manufacturing have expanded the clinical capabilities of lenses beyond basic vision correction to include improved oxygen transmissibility, enhanced comfort, and greater support for myopia management and irregular corneas. At the same time, digital design tools and data-driven customization are enabling more precise fits across a wider range of patients. As patient expectations continue to grow and the prevalence of conditions such as dry eye and myopia increases, today’s contact lens landscape presents both new opportunities and important considerations for clinical practice. This article provides an overview of some lens technologies in the works to keep an eye on in 2026.

Myopia management and lens technology

Most recently, Euclid Vision Corporation officially introduced its Be Free Day lens, a silicone hydrogel (Toufilcon B) daily disposable lens. The new lens utilizes dual-action technology developed by the Brien Holden Vision Institute (BHVI), which collaborated with Euclid to create the lens, according to a news release.¹

“Approximately 35% of children globally are myopic, and early intervention is increasingly essential for protecting long-term visual health,” said Euclid CEO Linda Chang in the release. “All children deserve healthy vision and treatment that fits naturally and comfortably into their daily routines, and Euclid is honored to introduce our newest lens to continue to support optical health throughout their lives.”

Additionally, over the past year, CooperVision’s MiSight 1 day contact lenses have proved they can slow the progression of myopia in children aged 8 to 12 years. Findings from a study published in Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics in February 2025 reinforced prescribing confidence in the lens for higher prescriptions.² Specifically, the lens demonstrated an ability to deliver consistent retinal defocus in a more prolate-shaped eye, commonly associated with higher myopia. According to a news release, these findings are consistent with the lenses’ optical profile, which has been shown to slow myopia progression in age-appropriate children, in powers to correct low and moderate levels of myopia. Data from another study published in May 2025 suggested that myopia control gains with lens wear were sustained after treatment, with no rebound effect found.³

Specialty lens

The recent Global Specialty Lens Symposium (GSLS) 2026 highlighted the success eye care providers have been achieving with particular wavefront-guided, higher-order aberration-correcting scleral lenses. Jason Jedlicka, OD, FAAO; and Jamie Kuzniar, OD, FAAO, FSLS, presented key clinical data during the conference, which took place from January 7 to 10 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Specifically, Kuzniar has found success with Bausch + Lomb’s Zenlens CHROMA HOA lens.

“The main thing that practitioners can take away is, if you're not doing HOA sclerals, we need to start. This is definitely a need…, and we know that it will make a huge difference for our patients. It's just [that] there's not a lot of access right now. So I have patients [who] drive from far distances because they want these lenses, they want the technology, and we know that it works. So this is more proof that it does work,” Kuzniar said.

Lenses for astigmatism

Recent clinical data from Johnson & Johnson regarding its Acuvue Oasys Max 1-Day for astigmatism contact lens demonstrated higher end-of-day comfort than Dailies Total1 for Astigmatism. The Oasys lens was also rated higher in overall opinion and all comfort metrics in the study. Regarding vision on computer screens and digital device use, the lens was also preferred (65%) over dailies (16%).⁴ When the Oasys lens was worn after the dailies, positive feedback of overall opinion increased to 80% compared with 33.3% when the dailies were worn after the Oasys lens.⁴

Looking to the future of contact lens technology, Giovanna Olivares, OD, expects the patient experience to take center stage. “I think that we should see in contact lens technology the [evolution] of providing that patient with the best experience possible. So I think it's gone beyond just giving them great visual acuity, but it's really going into providing the best performance for their vision and comfort that they can possibly have,” she said.

References

1. Joy J. Euclid Vision Corporation launches new Be Free Day lens for myopia management. Optometry Times. January 8, 2026. Accessed January 19, 2026. https://www.optometrytimes.com/view/euclid-vision-corporation-launches-new-be-free-day-lens-for-myopia-management

2. Joy J. Study supports MiSight 1 day soft contact lenses efficacy in slowing myopia progression. Optometry Times. February 18, 2025. Accessed January 19, 2026. https://www.optometrytimes.com/view/study-supports-misight-1-day-soft-contact-lenses-effectivity-in-slowing-myopia-progression

3. Joy J. New study supports retention of myopia control in CooperVision's MiSight 1 day contact lenses. Optometry Times. May 6, 2025. Accessed January 19, 2026. https://www.optometrytimes.com/view/new-study-supports-retention-of-myopia-control-in-coopervision-s-misight-1-day-contact-lenses

4. Joy J. Johnson & Johnson slated to present new contact lens data at Academy 2025. Optometry Times. October 7, 2025. Accessed January 19, 2026. https://www.optometrytimes.com/view/johnson-johnson-slated-to-present-new-contact-lens-data-at-academy-2025