What Is The Difference Between Hard And Soft Contact Lenses?

Hard Versus Soft Contact Lenses

Soft Contact Lenses
These contact lenses are made of silicone hydrogel. Although these lenses are soft, they do still retain their shape. When you have a soft contact lens on the end of your finger, you will see that it still keeps its dome-like shape, while still being flexible and easily manipulated. These contact lenses are very soft and comfortable and tend to be the most popular option. Soft contact lenses are recommended for first-time contact lens wearers. These tend to get less dust underneath them than other contact lenses and they are highly unlikely to fall out of the eye. Soft contact lenses come with a wide variety of lens options. You can get them as daily disposable contact lenses or you can get contact lenses that can be worn during the day for a week or even a month. These contact lenses can also come as coloured lenses so you can change the appearance of your iris colour if you desire. If you don’t have any eye conditions beyond your refractive error, soft contact lenses may be right for you.

Hard Contact Lenses
These contact lenses are made of gas-permeable, medical-grade plastic and because of this are often referred to as rigid gas-permeable (RGP) lenses. Hard contact lenses keep their shape better than soft contact lenses. While these contact lenses can take longer to adapt to than soft contact lenses, they also offer sharper vision and greater durability. Whereas soft contact lenses are prone to rips and to drying out, hard contact lenses tend to last longer. These contact lenses also allow more oxygen to reach the cornea (the front of the eye) than soft contact lenses do, which can help reduce dry eye symptoms caused by wearing contact lenses. Hard contact lenses are ideal for people with astigmatism since they can help to correct the shape of the eye while they are being worn. This correction is neither painful nor damaging to the eye but it does help correct the shape of eyes with astigmatism so light only focuses on one area instead of two. If you have dry eyes or find your eyes become irritated wearing soft contact lenses, hard contact lenses may be for you.

Did You Know?
Whether you get hard or soft contact lenses, they need to be properly fitted. Contact lens fittings are a vital part of keeping your eyes comfortable and healthy. Learn more by reading The Importance Of Proper Contact Lens Fitting.

Find The Right Contact Lenses In Calgary

Whether you want to start wearing contact lenses or you want to switch the type of contact lenses you are wearing, Market Mall Optometry can help. Our team of dedicated optical professionals will administer a contact lens eye exam to ensure you have the right prescription for your contact lenses. Our team will also help you determine which type of contact lenses are best for your lifestyle. To receive a contact lens eye exam or to ask any questions about whether hard or soft contact lenses may be right for you, call Market Mall Optometry at 1-403-286-4884 or fill out the online contact form.

FAQ

Q: Is a contact lens exam different from a regular eye exam?
A: A contact lens exam will involve contact lens-specific tests and measurements, such as contact lens fitting and measuring your contact lens prescription. Although the tests are slightly different, a contact lens exam will be very similar to a regular eye exam and it will take approximately the same amount of time. To learn more, read What To Expect During Your Contact Lens Exam.

Q: Can contact lenses get stuck to my eye?
A: Contact lenses cannot get stuck to your eye if you follow the proper care instructions outlined by your optometrist. It is possible for a soft contact lens to get temporarily stuck to the eye, but only if it has dried completely. By adding saline or sterile solution to your eye, the lens will be ready to be removed.

Q: Can I still wear contact lenses if I have allergies?
A: Yes you can, you just may need to take some extra steps to ensure eye comfort. Read 7 Simple Tips for Contact Lens Wearers With Eye Allergies to ensure your contact lenses stay comfortable.