{"id":7861,"date":"2020-09-14T09:57:18","date_gmt":"2020-09-14T09:57:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.optometrists.org\/?page_id=7861"},"modified":"2022-02-20T12:19:39","modified_gmt":"2022-02-20T12:19:39","slug":"guide-to-soft-contacts-lenses","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.optometrists.org\/general-practice-optometry\/optical\/guide-to-contact-lenses\/guide-to-soft-contacts-lenses\/","title":{"rendered":"Guide to Soft Contact Lenses"},"content":{"rendered":"

Approximately 90 percent of contact lens wearers prefer soft contact lenses.\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

There are many different options when it comes to soft contact lenses. While your optometrist can help you to narrow down your choices – usually dependent on your prescription and personal lifestyle – it is important to be aware of the different types of soft contacts.<\/p>\n

This guide is meant to help you gain a better understanding of soft contact lenses \u2014 and to help you become familiar with the different terms your optometrist may use when speaking to you about soft contact lenses.<\/i><\/p>\n

Standard hydrogel or\u00a0 silicone hydrogel contact lenses?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Standard hydrogel and silicone hydrogel are the two primary materials used to manufacture soft contact lenses. Both materials create a soft, flexible, absorbent plastic that remains soft when hydrated with solution or water, and hardens as it dries.<\/p>\n

Both types of materials work in a similar way, and help to correct a variety of refractive errors.<\/a> However, while standard hydrogel lenses are a popular choice due to their nature and affordability, silicone hydrogel lenses contain a higher oxygen permeability.<\/p>\n

Silicone hydrogel soft lenses allow more oxygen to penetrate through the lens and reach the cornea, or the outer surface of the eye, and are therefore more commonly prescribed by optometrists than standard hydrogel lenses.\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

As a result, these soft contact lenses are known for their ability to maintain hydration and comfort throughout the day, and can be worn for longer periods of time.<\/p>\n

This type of lens may be beneficial if you suffer from dry eye<\/a> or spend many hours in front of a computer screen.<\/p>\n

Daily contact lenses<\/b><\/h2>\n

Daily lenses, also called \u2018daily disposables\u2019, are worn for just one day, and then discarded before bedtime each night.\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

These convenient lenses may be beneficial if you suffer from allergies<\/a>, or simply want to avoid the hassle of cleaning, disinfecting, and storing your lenses.<\/p>\n

These lenses are designed with a high water content and are thinner than other lenses\u2014 making them both comfortable and easy to adapt to.<\/p>\n

Bi-weekly contact lenses<\/b><\/h2>\n

Bi-weekly lenses, also known as \u2018two-week disposable lenses\u2019, can be reused for two weeks, then after two weeks they must be replaced with a fresh pair.<\/b><\/p>\n

These lenses cannot be worn while sleeping and must be removed every night to be disinfected and stored in their storage case.<\/p>\n

These lenses are both comfortable (made of silicone hydrogel) and affordably priced. They are the perfect blend between daily disposables and monthly lenses, making them a popular choice.<\/p>\n

If you want to know more about the benefits of soft contact lenses, contact an eye doctor<\/a> near you, who can discuss these with you.<\/strong><\/p>\n

SEE RELATED:<\/b> How to Insert and Remove Soft Contact Lenses<\/a><\/p>\n\n\t

\n\t\t

Find an eye doctor near you<\/h3>\n\t\t\n\t
\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\n\t\t\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\n\n\t\t