Breaking Down the Major Differences betwee Soft and Hard Contact Lenses

If you are considering switching from eyeglasses to contact lenses, it may be difficult to know where to start, and because technology is constantly advancing and adapting, you may be unsure of your options.

To start, your eye doctor is the ideal candidate to talk to when you need to assess your options, but a little background information never hurts. It also allows you to consider your personal needs and whether they are a good fit for you or not. Moreover, it gives you a better understanding of what you are looking for.

Now, contact lenses tend to fall into two separate categories, hard and soft contact lenses.

Hard Contact Lenses (RGP)

Hard lenses have been around for decades. They started out as simple lenses and gradually developed into a comfortable and viable option that caters to any type of contact lens wearer. The earliest types of experimental lenses were replaced by plastic and progress to what is now used - Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) contacts.

Constructed from silicone polymers, RGP contact lenses allow more oxygen to flow into the eyes. Breathability is crucial when it comes to contacts, especially for comfort. Their rigidity also makes them durable enough to withstand a reasonable amount of pressure. Most importantly, they are cost-effective and will cost less than what you would normally pay for soft lenses.

The primary drawback of hard contact lenses is their comfort, as they may take longer to become accustomed to than your soft alte ative. Eye doctors recommend a longer wearing time to let the eyes adjust to the lens. RGP lenses do have numerous models catered to the user but may lack in some areas. For example, Biofinity Energys offer unique comfort and moisture benefits that RGP lenses may not be able to offer.

Soft Contact Lenses

Soft contact lenses are available in a variety of models, most of which are disposable. They are constructed from soft flexible plastics with a dedicated amount of water that ensures the surface of the eye receives enough oxygen for versatility and comfort. Known to be the most convenient, because they are commonly used on a schedule of frequent replacement, these lenses are simply worn for as little as a day and discarded without the need for cleaning.

Monthly disposable lenses are different from dailies and are common for those looking for longevity. They are inserted into the eyes in the morning, removed and cleaned at night, and placed in a clean lens case filled with a specialized solution.

Now, this process may sound complicated at first, but it's rather straightforward and will become easy once you get the hang of it. While soft contact lenses may be more expensive tha RGP lenses, there are certain suppliers like Lens.com that offer lower prices without sacrificing their selection, so you can pick and choose what is best for your lifestyle.