Soft Contact Lenses

There are several types of soft contact lenses available to fit different needs and lifestyles. Our ophthalmologists will help you choose the best option based on your prescription, eye health, and daily routine.

• Daily disposables, such as Acuvue Moist, are thrown away after one use and are ideal for people with allergies or busy lifestyles.
• Bi-weekly or monthly lenses, such as Biofinity, can be worn for longer periods with proper nightly cleaning and storage.
• Toric lenses are designed to correct astigmatism by staying in the correct position on the eye.
• Multifocal lenses help with both near and far vision, ideal for people over 40 experiencing presbyopia.
• Colored lenses offer vision correction while allowing you to change or enhance your eye color.

Most soft lenses are made from either hydrogel or silicone hydrogel materials. Hydrogel lenses contain water to stay soft and comfortable but allow less oxygen to pass through to your cornea. Silicone hydrogel lenses, found in brands like Air Optix and Biofinity, allow much more oxygen to reach your eyes, which reduces dryness and keeps eyes looking and feeling healthier during wear. Today, silicone hydrogel materials account for approximately 75 percent of all new soft contact lenses fitted because of their superior breathability and comfort.

Soft lenses are more flexible and generally feel comfortable right away compared to rigid gas permeable (RGP) or hard lenses, which often take time to get used to. Soft contacts mold to the shape of your eye, making them easier for most new wearers and helping them stay in place better during sports and other activities.

A critical factor for safe contact lens wear is oxygen permeability, which is the lens's ability to let oxygen reach your cornea. The oxygen permeability of a material is measured in Dk units, and the oxygen transmissibility, or Dk/t, takes into account both the material and the thickness of the lens. High oxygen flow helps maintain healthy corneal tissue, reduces the risk of dryness, and prevents complications like swelling or the growth of new blood vessels in the cornea. Silicone hydrogel lenses typically provide Dk/t values well above 100 units in the center, which is why they are often recommended for long-term eye health and all-day comfort.

Soft lenses are safe for most people when used correctly. However, certain eye conditions like severe dry eye, frequent infections, or corneal irregularities may make them unsuitable. A comprehensive eye exam at ReFocus Eye Health Bloomfield (NW) will determine if you are a good candidate.

Most people adjust to soft lenses within a few days. Because of their flexibility, they usually feel comfortable much faster than hard lenses. Starting with shorter wear times and gradually increasing the duration helps your eyes adapt easily.

You should never sleep in your contact lenses unless your doctor specifically prescribes extended-wear lenses that are approved for overnight use. Sleeping in regular lenses greatly increases the risk of serious eye infections and inflammation. Even with approved extended-wear lenses, overnight use carries a higher risk of microbial keratitis compared to daily wear.

Dryness can result from many factors, including your environment, reduced blink rate, or lens deposits. Using preservative-free rewetting drops designed for contact lens wearers, blinking regularly, and switching to a lens designed for moisture or higher oxygen transmissibility can improve comfort. If dryness persists, your doctor may suggest alternative lenses or dry eye treatments available at our practice.

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. Our ophthalmologists can help decide if a teen is ready and provide thorough training on proper lens care.

It is best to avoid wearing contact lenses while swimming or showering, as water can expose your eyes to harmful microorganisms that cause severe infections, including Acanthamoeba keratitis. If you must wear them, the safest option is to use a fresh pair of daily disposable lenses with watertight swim goggles and discard them immediately after exposure to 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 and cause discomfort.

Colored contact lenses are safe only when they are prescribed and properly fitted by an eye doctor, even if you do not need vision correction. Over-the-counter decorative lenses purchased without a prescription should be avoided, as they can damage your eyes and cause serious harm, including painful infections and permanent vision loss.

Wearing lenses beyond their replacement schedule can cause protein and lipid buildup, dryness, blurry vision, and discomfort. More seriously, it significantly increases your risk of developing a painful and potentially sight-threatening eye infection. Overnight wear and poor lens hygiene are leading risk factors for microbial keratitis. Always follow your doctor's recommended replacement timeline.

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.

Yes, some soft lenses are specifically designed for people with sensitive eyes. Daily disposable lenses are often the best choice, as they prevent the daily buildup of allergens and irritants that can accumulate on reusable lenses. Starting each day with a fresh, sterile lens helps reduce exposure to pollen, dust, and other allergens that stick to contact lens surfaces and cause itchiness and irritation.

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, look down, gently lift your upper lid, and use a clean finger to slide the lens back into view. Contact our office if removal is difficult or painful.

Yes, certain multifocal and dual-focus soft contact lenses have been shown in published research to slow the progression of nearsightedness (myopia) in children and adolescents. These specialized lenses, including FDA-approved options like MiSight 1 day, require a precise fitting and regular monitoring by an eye care professional experienced in pediatric myopia management. Our ophthalmologists can discuss whether myopia control contact lenses are appropriate for your child.

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 cornea or other structures. Contact lens-related complications can develop without symptoms, making regular professional exams critical for long-term eye health.