Understanding the differences between hydrogel and silicone hydrogel contact lenses is important if you want to make a good decision for your eye health. The more you understand about contact lenses, the more you are capable of making an informed decision. In this blog post, we'll explore the key factors to consider when deciding between these two types of lenses. From comfort and moisture retention to oxygen flow, we'll break down the advantages and disadvantages of each option.
Contents:
- What are Hydrogel Contact Lenses?
- Pros and Cons of Hydrogel Contact Lenses
- What are Silicone Hydrogel Contact Lenses?
- Pros and Cons of Silicone Hydrogel Contact Lenses
- Best-Selling Hydrogel Contact Lenses
- Best-Selling Silicone Hydrogel Contact Lenses
- Are Hydrogel Contacts or Silicone Hydrogel Contacts Safer for Your Eyes?
What are Hydrogel Contact Lenses?
Hydrogel contact lenses are soft, flexible lenses made from a water-absorbing material called hydrogel. These lenses have been a popular choice for decades due to their comfort and ease of use. The hydrogel material allows oxygen to pass through to the cornea, maintaining eye health and preventing discomfort.
Pros and Cons of Hydrogel Contact Lenses
Pros of hydrogel contact lenses:
Comfort
Hydrogel lenses are known for their softness and flexibility, making them comfortable to wear for extended periods.
Moisture retention
The hydrogel material retains moisture, helping to keep the lenses hydrated and preventing dryness or irritation.
Cons of hydrogel contact lenses:
Limited oxygen permeability
Compared to silicone hydrogel lenses, hydrogel lenses have lower oxygen permeability, which may increase the risk of eye complications over time.
What are Silicone Hydrogel Contact Lenses?
Silicone hydrogel contact lenses are advanced soft contact lenses that are designed to provide superior oxygen permeability to the cornea while retaining the softness and comfort of traditional hydrogel lenses.
Pros and Cons of Silicone Hydrogel Contact Lenses
Pros of silicone hydrogel contact lenses:
Enhanced oxygen permeability
Silicone hydrogel lenses allow more oxygen to reach the cornea compared to traditional hydrogel lenses, promoting better eye health and reducing the risk of complications such as corneal hypoxia.
Longer wearing time
The increased oxygen flow provided by silicone hydrogel lenses allows for extended wear times, making them suitable for overnight or continuous wear in some cases.
Cons of silicone hydrogel contact lenses:
Higher cost
Silicone hydrogel lenses tend to be more expensive than traditional hydrogel lenses due to their advanced materials and manufacturing processes.
Requires careful cleaning
Proper hygiene and cleaning routines are essential for silicone hydrogel lenses to prevent protein deposits and maintain optimal eye health.
Our Best-Selling Hydrogel Contact Lenses
BioTrue One Day Contact Lenses
BioTrue Daily lenses are daily disposable lenses that keep your eyes moisturized and comfortable all day long. These lenses are manufactured by Bausch & Lomb and are made from Nesofilcon A and have a 78% water content and offer UVA/UVB protection. These lenses are designed to prevent dehydration blur & maximize the moisture for up-to 16 hours of comfortable lens wear. We recommend this product for those who are looking for contact lenses with a high water content.
Soflens 59 Contact Lenses
SofLens 59 contact lenses by Bausch and Lomb are an excellent choice for vision correction, providing exceptional clarity and comfort for daily wear. These lenses are primarily made from a material called hilafilcon B, which is a hydrogel material renowned for its moisture retention and oxygen permeability. This material ensures that SofLens contact lenses remain comfortable throughout the day, allowing oxygen to pass through to the eyes while retaining necessary moisture to prevent dryness and irritation.
Our Best-Selling Silicone Hydrogel Contact Lenses
Acuvue Oasys with Hydraclear Plus
Acuvue Oasys With Hydraclear Plus contact lenses help keep eyes feeling moist all day and help to reduce dryness symptoms. These lenses have an embedded wetting agent throughout the lens matrix that mimics the mucin layer of the tear film to provide optimal comfort. Crafted with Senofilcon A, a new-generation silicone hydrogel that offers high oxygen transmissibility, these lenses are ideal for those struggling with sensitive, dry eyes.
Clariti 1 Day Contact Lenses
Clariti 1 Day contact lenses are made of a silicone hydrogel, Somoficon A and have been crafted with great care to ensure your eyes feel healthy and comfortable while wearing them. Silicone hydrogel lenses enable better oxygen permeability to the corneas than hydrogel lenses. We recommend these lenses for those who are looking for contact lenses that are more comfortable and breathable, thereby keeping your eyes healthy.
Are Hydrogel Contacts or Silicone Hydrogel Contacts Safer for Your Eyes?
Both hydrogel contacts and silicone hydrogel contacts offer unique benefits, but determining which is safer for your eyes depends on various factors, including your individual vision needs, eye physiology and lifestyle.
The most crucial distinction between these lenses lies in their oxygen permeability and moisture retention properties. Silicone hydrogel lenses typically allow more oxygen to reach the cornea compared to traditional hydrogel lenses. On the other hand, traditional hydrogel lenses may offer superior moisture retention, promoting comfort for wearers with dry or sensitive eyes.
Ultimately, the safest option for your eyes depends on a thorough examination by your eye doctor. They will assess your specific needs and recommend the most suitable lens material based on factors such as your vision correction requirements and comfort preferences. If you’d like to get an eye test and talk to one of our experienced optometrists at Adasat, fill out this appointment form and we will get back to you!
