Choosing which type of contact lens to wear can be a confusing and intimidating task for many people. There are dozens of types on the market, but you must also decide how frequently you will change your contact lenses (daily, weekly, or monthly) and whether you want to use a soft or hard lens.
There are advantages and disadvantages to both types of lenses and factors that may make one type more suitable for you: neither is ‘better’ than the other. However, if your optician has specifically advised you to wear one type of lens over another, you must do so.
What is the procedure for using daily soft contact lenses?
Soft contact lenses are made of a flexible plastic material that is hard when dry but softens when wet. The lens’s soft, pliable material makes it simple to adjust and very comfortable to wear. Soft lenses can be worn daily or casually, as well as for special occasions. In addition, lenses made of newer materials, such as silicone hydrogel, allow more oxygen to pass to the eye’s cornea, increasing comfort.
What are the advantages of wearing soft contact lenses daily?
Soft contact lenses are the most common type for a variety of reasons, including:
- They are made of a flexible material that, when properly fitted, conforms to the shape of the cornea.
- For new users, the initial adaptation period is shorter.
- As a result, they are more comfortable, even when first used.
- Soft lenses are ideal for occasional users (those who use lenses occasionally rather than daily). This is because they are less prone to dust and other foreign objects trapped under the lens.
- They are less prone to falling out of the eye and are ideal for sports.
- Soft lenses are not as sensitive to light as hard lenses.
- Despite their benefits, soft contact lenses may not be suitable for everyone. They are less durable than hard contact lenses and tend to dry out in hot and windy conditions, which can be uncomfortable.
How do daily contact lenses function?
RGP (rigid gas permeable) or hard contact lenses are solid plastic. To keep the cornea healthy, newer RGP materials transmit more oxygen. However, these contact lenses require a longer initial adaptation period: they take longer to become comfortable than soft lenses.
You must wear hard lenses consistently to be comfortable, and if you take a long break from wearing them, you may need some time to re-adapt. Hard contact lenses are typically considered less suitable for sports participation because they are more easily dislodged from the eye’s surface. Furthermore, foreign objects such as dust are more likely to become trapped under the lens than with soft lenses.
Although less popular than soft contact lenses, gas-permeable lenses are superior in some situations. For example, in people suffering from keratoconus, the cornea thins and bulges into a cone shape. When applied to the eye, rigid gas-permeable contact lenses can retain their shape without conforming to the shape of the underlying, irregular cornea.
What are the advantages of wearing hard contact lenses daily?
Rigid gas-permeable contact lenses have several benefits, including:
- They are made of more durable material, are easier to handle, and are less prone to tearing.
- Hard lenses resist deposit buildup, resulting in crisper and clearer vision.
- They last longer and are thus less expensive than soft contacts.
Should I wear soft or hard contact lenses daily?
Soft contact lenses are probably the best option if you plan to wear contacts only occasionally or on special occasions. Soft lenses are easier to adjust to, provide more comfort, and are gentler on the eyes if you have dry or sensitive eyes. In addition, soft contact lenses require only a few days to adjust, whereas hard contact lenses can take several weeks to become comfortable.
If you wear contacts daily and want affordable and long-lasting lenses, rigid gas-permeable (hard) contacts may be your best option. After the initial adjustment period, you will benefit less involved lens care and longer-term lens performance due to reduced deposit buildup. In addition, hard contact lenses provide crisper, clearer vision in the long run. Rigid gas-permeable lenses may also be preferable for people who work outside in hot weather, as soft contacts can dry out and cause discomfort.
