Hard Vs. Soft Contacts

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Blog

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EyeQue Team

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May 11, 2021

Contact Lens

What’s the Difference between Hard and Soft Contacts?

Contact Lens CaseContact lenses can be worn to correct various vision problems including myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and presbyopia. While soft contact lenses are prescribed most often, there is another type of lens available – a rigid gas permeable (RGP) lens, sometimes called a hard contact lens, can also be used for vision correction.

These two types of lenses are made out of different materials and offer different advantages and disadvantages, but both can be used to correct vision.

What are Hard Contact Lenses?

Hard contact lenses used to be made out of PMMA or polymethylmethacrylate, acrylic glass, or even lucite. However, in the 1970s, hard contact lenses switched over to rigid gas permeable lenses. RGP lenses incorporate silicone and are more flexible than the original hard lenses, which makes them better for the cornea since they let more oxygen permeate the lens.

Advantages of RGPs or Hard Contact Lenses:

  • Highly durable
  • Easy to handle
  • Easy to care for
  • Retain their shape well
  • Crisp, clear vision
  • Corrects higher astigmatisms
  • Do not dehydrate

Disadvantages of RGPs or Hard Contact Lenses:

  • Easily dislodged
  • Not very scratch resistant
  • Easier for debris to collect under the lens
  • Takes longer to get used to

What are Soft Contact Lenses?

Made of a gel-like plastic, called hydrogel, soft contact lenses are combined with water to allow plenty of oxygen to reach the cornea while also being comfortable and flexible. There are several different types of soft contact lenses that can be worn for varying amounts of time including dailies, weeklies, bi-weeklies, and monthlies.

Advantages of Soft Contact Lenses:

  • Comfortable
  • Easy to insert
  • Stay in place
  • Easier to get used to

Disadvantages of Soft Contact Lenses:

  • Vision may not be as sharp as RGP
  • Wear out more frequently
  • Less durable
  • May not correct higher prescriptions

How to Decide between Hard and Soft Contacts

There are plenty of things to consider when deciding which type of lens you should choose. Your lifestyle, your prescription, and your eye conditions should all be factors. Your eye doctor can help you determine which type of lens will be the best fit for your eyes.

Once you have your contact lens prescription, you can order refills from EyeQue. We offer fast shipping, easy refills, and low prices!

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