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Soft Contact Lenses

Soft Contact Lenses

Understanding Soft Contact Lenses

If you are researching contact lenses it is easy to become overwhelmed by different contact lens types available.  Their comfort and breathability make them one of the most popular types of contact lenses among people in the U.S. with over 90% of contact lens wearers preferring soft contact lenses because of the comfort they offer according to the American Optometric Association.

Soft contact lenses are made of soft and flexible water based plastic material, primarily using hydrogel or silicone hydrogel. They are available for all types of needs including daily wear disposables, bi-weekly, and monthly wear.

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Types of Soft Lenses

Modern soft contact lenses are made of two materials, primarily hydrogel and silicone hydrogel with silicone hydrogel being a more modern improvement. While both function similarly, silicone hydrogel is less prone to drying out.

Hydrogel Lenses

Hydrogel contact lenses were first introduced in the 1980’s. These lenses allow them to better fit the surface of the eye. However, hydrogel lenses, if worn for a long period, were prone to drying out which would make them harden and become uncomfortable. Silicone Hydrogel improved upon this by using a more porous surface.

Silicone Hydrogel Lenses

Silicone hydrogel, first introduced in the early 2000’s, allows lenses to ‘breathe’ more naturally by allowing additional oxygen to flow between the lens and the cornea. This hydrogel silicone hybrid is more comfortable to wear long term while remaining flexible.

How to Put in Soft Contact Lenses

  1. Wash your hands thoroughly. This is to remove any bacteria or debris that can rub off onto the contact lens and potentially scratch or damage them. When drying, use a lint free towel that avoids any fibers sticking to your hands or fingers.
  2. Place the lens on the tip of your index finger and check to see if it is inside out. Two methods can be used to check for inversion. Using the taco test, hold the lens between your thumb and index finger squeezing lightly. If it bends upwards like a taco shell then the lens is the correct side. The other method involves visual inspection. If looking at the lens the top bends outward and flattens, then the lens is inverted. If it is straight, like the top of a cup then it is the correct way.
  3. Pull down the lower eyelid and place the lens on the eye.
  4. Blink slow to help set the lens in the correct place.

If the lens is not in the correct place you will notice blurry vision along with redness, irritation, and the feeling of something in your eye.

How to Remove Soft Contact Lenses

  1. Wash hands to avoid any debris from scratching or damaging the lens.
  2. Look upwards and pull down on the lower eyelid.
  3. pinch the lens gently and remove it from the eye.

When putting in or removing contact lenses it is important to properly clean and disinfect the lenses and your hands. Not properly cleaning increases the risk of eye infection which can damage eye health in a number of ways including blurred vision, redness, inflammation, and more.

If you are using extended wear lenses, in between use, clean weekly or monthly contact lenses with saline solution. Contact lens solution doesn’t just clean and disinfect, but also helps to moisturize and lubricate the lens so that it is more comfortable to wear throughout the day. Properly cleaning your soft contact lenses reduce the risk of eye infections up to 50%

If you prefer to avoid needing to clean your contacts, daily disposable soft lenses are available. Global market insights showed that 40% of soft lens users preferred daily disposable lenses because they were a more convenient option that did not require cleaning.

Soft Contact Lenses FAQ’s

The amount of time that you can wear soft contact lenses depends on the type of contact lens that you choose. Daily wear lenses can be worn for up to about 8-16 hours however should never be worn overnight. Discuss with your doctor, as they will help you make the decision.

Sleeping with contact lenses is not recommended unless you are using lenses specifically designed for overnight wear. However, some contact lenses, such as extended-wear lenses, are designed for overnight use. It’s best to consult your eye doctor for guidance based on your specific needs.

If you ever fall asleep with your lenses in, it’s a good idea to remove them as soon as you wake up and give your eyes some time to recover.

It is not recommended to swim with contact lenses, especially soft ones.

A specific type of soft lens, called a soft toric contact lens, can work to correct mild forms of astigmatism,  Ask your eye doctor for the best type of lenses available based on your needs.

Contact Cohen’s Fashion Optical Today

If you are considering wearing contact lenses, schedule an appointment at one of our convenient locations! At Cohen’s Fashion Optical, our professionally trained optometrists can provide comprehensive eye exams and work closely with you to find the best type of contact lenses for your needs.

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