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While glasses certainly have their place, it’s hard to argue against the convenience and versatility of contact lenses. If you’re thinking about making the switch, one important step is choosing the best contact lenses for your eyes and lifestyle. When it comes to soft contact lenses, you’ve got two main options to consider: hydrogel contact lenses and silicone hydrogel contact lenses.
Not sure where to start? Don’t stress! We’re here to break it down for you in plain, simple terms.
What are hydrogel contact lenses?
These were the trailblazers of the soft contact lens world. They are made from a gel-like material designed to hold a lot of water. Why does that matter? Well, it makes them thin, lightweight, and flexible enough to mould to the shape of your eyes comfortably.
What makes silicone hydrogel contact lenses different?
Think of silicone hydrogel contact lenses as hydrogel’s cool, more advanced cousin. These lenses have added silicone, which helps them do something pretty amazing – they allow way more oxygen to pass through to your eyes.
We’ll explain more about the differences between these two types of lenses, so you can decide which is the right choice for you.
The real differences you need to know
Oxygen permeability – While both types allow the eye to “breathe”, silicone hydrogel is a clear winner for permeability. That matters because unlike the inner parts of the eyes, which are supplied with oxygen from surrounding blood vessels, the cornea (the front surface of the eye) gets its oxygen supply directly from the air. That leads to our next point…
Wear time – If you need contacts you can wear all day – maybe even for long hours at work – silicone hydrogel contact lenses are hands-down the way to go. With their superior oxygen flow, your eyes will feel fresh even after a marathon day.
On the other hand, hydrogel contact lenses are perfect if you only need to wear them occasionally. They’re super comfortable when worn for shorter periods but can dry out over a long day due to their high-water content.
Moisture and comfort – If you only want to wear lenses occasionally or for short periods, the high water content in hydrogel contacts makes them suitable for dry eyes. However, this water evaporates throughout the day.
Meanwhile, silicone hydrogel contact lenses don’t rely on high water content for comfort. Instead, some brands add a “wetting agent” to keep them smooth and comfy even if you wear them for longer. However, they can still cause lipid build-up, which might irritate sensitive eyes.
The cleanliness factor – If you’ve got eyes prone to irritation, hydrogel contact lenses might be the better pick. They’re often available as daily disposables, which you throw away after each use. Fresh lenses every day mean less chance of build-up from dirt, oils, or other debris.
That being said, if you’re wearing silicone hydrogel contact lenses for two weeks or even a month, cleaning them properly each night is key. These lenses are popular among folks who want extended wear contact lenses that hold up well over time.
Still a bit lost? Here’s the quick lowdown
- Hydrogel contact lenses: Fantastic for occasional wear, sensitive eyes, and those on a budget. They’re thinner, cheaper, and ideal when you don’t need to wear contacts all day.
- Silicone hydrogel contact lenses: Better for long days or if you’re looking for the best contact lenses for frequent or extended wear. They’re more breathable and durable but may require a bit more care.
Browse our contact lenses
The best way to figure out which type of contact lenses is right for you? Have a chat with your trusted eye care professional or speak to our friendly team who have over 35 years of experience as opticians. Once you’ve got some clarity, you can explore our wide range of contact lenses. With so many options, there’s definitely a pair out there that’ll perfectly suit your eyes – and your lifestyle.