Silicone hydrogel contact lenses
People have always had various vision problems, and in the old days, you just had to squint to see. Then, came glass grinding, and the corrective lens was born. Because humans will put anything in our eyes eventually, this developed into contact lenses, and we were off to the races. In time, a new and very cool technology developed, known as hydrogel (because dry things in the eyes hurt). Silicone hydrogels contact lenses are the cutting edge (not literally) of this evolution, and they can be the answer for people who have been unhappy with older contact lenses' drawbacks.
What are silicone hydrogel contact lenses?
Design and composition
Silicone hydrogel lenses look like any other contacts on the surface, but there's a lot going on at the microscopic level. On the small scale, these lenses have more porous material that lets more oxygen get to the cornea (one of the squishy bits of the eye). This greater permeability makes silicone hydrogel a fair bit more comfortable to wear for many people, especially if you're wearing contacts all day or every day.
The part where we say "moist" a lot
These lenses do more than let your eyes breathe; they also help keep them moist. The bazillion-plus little holes in the hydrogel act like a sponge to hold a moist layer close to the cornea, fighting dry eyes and potentially reducing irritation. (moist, moist, moist ...)
Benefits of silicone hydrogel contact lenses
Better eye health
Better permeability and moisture retention promote overall better eye health. This is just one of the benefits people see (get it, see?) with silicone hydrogel contact lenses. By letting more oxygen through to your eyes, these contacts reduce the risk of hypoxia-related eye problems, notably blurring, burning sensations, and that weird feeling like there's sand in your eye.
Improved comfort and wearability
Speaking of sand in the eye, these contacts tend to be way more comfortable than traditional contact lenses. Not that the daily disposables you're having delivered now are made from chain mail, but the softer structure of hydrogels can really make a difference in how they feel going on hour 15 of your day at the sand factory.
Thinking about silicone hydrogel lenses
Who could use these lenses?
The ideal person to wear silicone hydrogel lenses is someone with a prescription for traditional contacts who is having issues with comfort, especially for long-duration wearing. They should also be good about hygiene and care because these lenses tend to last for a few weeks and can come at a premium cost. Finally, you should also have a prescription that's available in silicone hydrogel lenses. Most are, but some aren't (yet). Set up an eye exam to speak with your eye care professional about this.
Caring for silicone hydrogel lenses
Maintenance and hygiene rules
Silicone hydrogel lenses take a bit more fuss to stay clean than the lenses you might be used to. Always follow the manufacturers' recommendations for daily rinsing and overnight soaks, and stop wearing older lenses when they hit their use-by date.
Common mistakes
It's also important to stay realistic about what these lenses can do for you. It's a pretty common mistake to think that long-duration contacts don't need to be cleaned very often or that you can share them or whatever. As a rule, you should treat these contacts like you would treat any other reusable lenses, plus whatever your eye care professional advises.
Issues with silicone hydrogel lenses
Common issues
Because they're different from traditional contacts, your first set of silicone hydrogel contacts might have a trial period while you search for the right fit. Be patient with this because the right fit is a big factor in getting the right vision correction for your eyes.
What are silicone hydrogel contact lenses, and why are they awesome?
Silicone hydrogel lenses can be a great choice for people whose relationship status with traditional lenses is "complicated." They're soft, they let in the O2, and they're usually more comfortable for long-term use. Even if your current contact lens setup seems to be working, you never know if it could be better. Get in touch with an eye care professional today or ask what silicone hydrogel contact lenses are at your next appointment.
Did you know you can order contacts online?
Say goodbye to trips to the eye doctor and hello to convenience! With 1-800 Contacts, you can easily order your contact lenses online and have them delivered straight to your door. Plus, our online vision exam makes it simple to get the prescription you need without leaving home. And the best part? You’ll save money on your first order with 1-800 Contacts. It’s never been easier to get your contacts!
FAQs
How long do silicone hydrogel lenses last?
Typical silicone hydrogel lenses last for 2-4 weeks with daily wear. It's a little bit more if you baby them, a little less if you wear them all day and overnight, and way less if you don't properly rinse and soak them. Ask your eye care professional about your specific brand to be sure.
Are silicone hydrogel lenses more expensive than traditional lenses?
You bet they are! Okay, sometimes they cost more, depending on this and that. A lot of people swear by them, however, and are willing to pay a premium for lenses they find more comfortable over the long run.
Can I sleep in silicone hydrogel contact lenses?
A lot of silicone hydrogel brands are rated for overnight wear. Make sure yours are too before trying this, but yeah, it's usually doable.