Soft Contact Lenses

There are several types of soft contact lenses available to fit different needs and lifestyles. Your eye doctor will help you choose the best option based on your vision, eye health, and daily activities.

• Daily disposables, such as Acuvue Moist, are thrown away after one use and are ideal for people with allergies, busy lifestyles, or those who want the simplest care routine.
• Bi-weekly or monthly lenses, such as Biofinity, can be worn for longer periods with proper nightly cleaning and storage, making them a cost-effective choice for many patients.
• Toric lenses are designed to correct astigmatism by staying in the correct position on the eye, providing stable and clear vision throughout the day.
• Multifocal lenses help with both near and far vision, ideal for people over 40 experiencing presbyopia, which makes it harder to focus on close objects.
• Specialty contact lenses can be custom-made for eyes with irregular shapes, high prescriptions, or specific conditions like keratoconus.
• Colored lenses offer vision correction while allowing you to change or enhance your eye color.
• Myopia management lenses are specially designed multifocal lenses that help slow the progression of nearsightedness in children when worn during the day.

Most soft lenses are made from either hydrogel or silicone hydrogel. Hydrogel lenses hold a lot of water to stay soft and are highly biocompatible with the eye, which makes them a good choice for people with delicate or sensitive eyes. However, they allow less oxygen to pass through. Silicone hydrogel lenses, found in brands like Air Optix, allow significantly more oxygen to reach your eyes, which reduces dryness, prevents corneal swelling, and keeps eyes looking and feeling healthy over longer wear times.

Soft lenses are more flexible and generally feel comfortable right away compared to rigid gas permeable (RGP) or hard lenses, which often take several weeks to get used to. Soft contacts mold to the shape of your eye naturally, making them easier for most new wearers and helping them stay in place better during sports and other activities. For this reason, soft lenses are the preferred choice for most contact lens wearers and can be a great option for teenagers and active adults.

A critical factor for safe contact lens wear is oxygen permeability, which is the lens's ability to let oxygen reach your cornea. High oxygen flow helps maintain healthy corneal tissue, reduces the risk of dryness and inflammation, and prevents complications like corneal swelling or the growth of new blood vessels on the white of the eye. Recent research shows that silicone hydrogel lenses provide oxygen levels that allow patients to wear their lenses comfortably throughout the entire day without the corneal problems that can develop with lower-oxygen materials. This is why silicone hydrogel lenses are often recommended for people who want all-day comfort and long-term eye health.

Soft lenses are safe for most people when used correctly and properly fitted by an eye care professional. However, certain eye conditions like severe dry eye, frequent infections, or significant corneal irregularities may make them less suitable or require a special type of lens. A comprehensive eye exam will determine if you are a good candidate and which lens options work best for your eye health.

Most people adjust to soft lenses within a few days to a week. Because of their flexibility, they usually feel comfortable much faster than hard lenses. Starting with shorter wear times of two to three hours and gradually increasing the duration by one to two hours per day helps your eyes adapt easily and reduces any initial discomfort.

You should never sleep in your contact lenses unless your doctor specifically prescribes extended-wear lenses that are approved for overnight use. Extended-wear lenses are made from special high-oxygen-permeability materials designed specifically for overnight wear. Sleeping in regular daily-wear lenses greatly increases the risk of serious eye infections, corneal swelling, and inflammation that can threaten your vision.

Dryness can result from many factors, including your environment, reduced blinking while working on screens, or lens deposits buildup. Using preservative-free rewetting drops, blinking regularly, staying hydrated, and switching to a lens material or design better suited for moisture can improve comfort. If dryness persists despite these changes, your doctor may suggest alternative lenses, different lens materials like certain hydrogels, or dry eye treatments to help you wear contacts comfortably.

Yes, many teenagers successfully wear soft lenses. Age is less important than maturity and responsibility, since safe lens wear requires carefully following all cleaning and replacement instructions. Your eye doctor can help decide if a teen is ready and can discuss which type of lens fits their lifestyle. Contact lenses can be a great option for active teens, and we also offer myopia management contact lenses for teenagers dealing with nearsightedness.

It is best to avoid wearing contact lenses while swimming or showering, as water can expose your eyes to harmful microorganisms like bacteria and parasites that cause serious infections. If you must wear them while swimming, the safest option is to use a fresh pair of daily disposable lenses with watertight swim goggles to create a barrier between your eye and the water. Remove and discard the lenses immediately after leaving the water.

Yes, but you should always apply makeup after inserting your lenses and remove your lenses before taking makeup off. This helps prevent makeup residue from getting trapped under the lens and irritating your eye. Avoid lash-extending mascaras, as the fibers can flake off into your eye. Use water-based eye makeup rather than oil-based products, and consider hypoallergenic brands if your eyes are sensitive.

Colored contact lenses are safe only when they are prescribed and properly fitted by a licensed eye doctor, even if you do not need vision correction. Over-the-counter decorative lenses sold without a prescription should be avoided, as they are not fitted to your eye and can cause scratches to your cornea, infections, and serious damage that threatens your vision. Always buy colored lenses from a reputable eye care practice.

Wearing lenses beyond their replacement schedule can cause protein buildup, dryness, blurry vision, and discomfort. More seriously, it significantly increases your risk of developing a painful and potentially sight-threatening eye infection caused by bacteria or other organisms living on the old lens. Always follow your doctor's recommended replacement timeline to keep your eyes healthy and protected.

Yes, contact lenses are medical devices and have an expiration date printed on their packaging. Wearing expired lenses or using expired cleaning solution increases the risk of eye infections and discomfort, as the material may degrade or the seal may no longer be sterile. Check the expiration date before use and never use lenses or solution past their listed date.

Yes, some soft lenses are specifically designed for people with sensitive eyes or allergies. Daily disposable lenses are often the best choice, as they prevent the daily buildup of allergens, proteins, and irritants that can accumulate on reusable lenses, providing a fresh, clean lens every day. Certain hydrogel materials are also more comfortable for sensitive eyes than silicone hydrogel. Your eye doctor can help identify which option works best for your allergies.

If you feel a scratching sensation or your vision becomes blurry, remove the lens and inspect it on your fingertip for tears, nicks, or debris. If a lens slips under your eyelid, do not panic. Look down, gently lift your upper lid, and use a clean finger to slide the lens back into view. Contact your doctor if removal is difficult or painful, as an injured lens or cornea may need professional care.

Yes, certain multifocal soft contact lenses have been shown in recent research to slow the progression of nearsightedness in children when worn during waking hours. These specialized lenses add extra focusing power in the periphery of the lens to slow eye growth. These lenses require a precise fitting and regular monitoring by an eye care professional experienced in pediatric myopia management. If your child is experiencing increasing nearsightedness, talk to our doctors about whether these lenses might help.

Routine annual eye exams are essential for all contact lens wearers to monitor eye health and ensure your prescription is up to date. Your doctor will check that your lenses still fit properly and are not causing any subtle, symptom-free changes to your eyes that only a professional can detect. If you wear specialty contact lenses or have certain eye conditions, you may need more frequent exams.