The Complete Guide to Silicone Hydrogel Contacts: The Future of Comfort and Eye Health

The development of contact lenses has undergone significant advancements over the years, with improvements in materials, designs, and manufacturing processes. Hydrogel is a material that is commonly used in the production of contact lenses. The significance of hydrogel in contact lenses lies in its unique properties that contribute to comfort and eye health.

While hydrogel lenses offer many benefits, in recent years, silicone hydrogel has gained prominence as an advanced contact lens material supporting improved oxygen permeability and potentially reducing the risk of certain eye issues.

Advancements in contact lens technology continue, with ongoing research focused on improvements to address specific visual needs and eye conditions. With many options on the market, we’re taking a closer look at the different types of contact lenses, with an emphasis on doctor-recommended silicone hydrogel lenses.

Understanding Silicone Hydrogel Contact Lenses

Hydrogel contact lenses differ from traditional contact lenses primarily in the material used to make them. Traditional contact lenses are often made of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) or a rigid gas permeable (RGP) material, while hydrogel lenses are made of a water-absorbing, gel-like material.

Materials Make the Difference

Hydrogel contact lenses are made of a water-absorbing gel that contains a high water content. This allows the lenses to remain soft and pliable, providing increased comfort to the wearer. Lenses with higher water content can be more comfortable for dry eyes, as they are better at retaining moisture. In the past, contact lenses were primarily made of rigid materials like PMMA or rigid gas-permeable materials. While these lenses are still prescribed and might work best for some individuals with specific eye conditions, they are firmer and may take some time for the eyes to adapt to.

Water Content

Hydrogel contact lenses boast a high water content, which helps to keep the lenses moist. This is beneficial for maintaining comfort and reducing dryness during lens wear.

Traditional lenses have lower water content compared to hydrogel lenses. They may not provide the same level of moisture, and users may need to use additional lubricating solutions.

Oxygen Permeability

Hydrogel contact lenses have good oxygen permeability, allowing oxygen to reach the cornea. This helps maintain eye health and reduces the risk of issues like corneal hypoxia.

While RGP lenses allow some oxygen to pass through, they generally have lower oxygen permeability compared to hydrogel lenses.

Flexibility

Hydrogel contact lenses are soft and flexible, conforming to the shape of the eye. This flexibility contributes to comfort during lens wear.

Traditional contact lenses (PMMA/RGP) are rigid and less flexible. Some wearers may take time to adapt to the sensation of rigid lenses.

Adaptation Period

Hydrogel contact lenses - Many wearers find hydrogel lenses comfortable right from the start, with a minimal adaptation period.

Rigid lenses, in particular, may require a longer adaptation period as the eyes get used to the firmer material.

Why Silicone Hydrogel is the Future of Contact Lenses

All signs point to silicone hydrogel contact lenses as the future of medical devices, given their numerous health benefits. Daily disposables are typically made of newer materials, such as silicone hydrogel, which provide enhanced breathability and moisture retention. This contributes to increased comfort throughout the day. High oxygen permeability allows more oxygen to reach the cornea. Improved oxygen flow can help prevent dryness and discomfort of the eyes.

If you’re looking to explore all the benefits of this advanced material at an affordable price, consider SkyHy by Hubble contact lenses, Made with doctor-recommended silicone hydrogel material for enhanced oxygen, these powerful and breathable lenses feature flexible construction molds to the curve of your eye for a snug fit, and special surface technology that keeps moisture locked in for more comfortable, hydrated, all-day wear

Combating Dry Eyes with Advanced Lens Technology

Prolonged wear of prescription contact lenses can contribute to irritation and an increased risk of developing dry eye syndrome. With this in mind, silicone hydrogel contact lenses help reduce this dryness and are generally doctor-recommended, accounting for 7 out of 10 new lens prescriptions on average. SkyHy by Hubble contact lenses are our most breathable lenses, crafted from silicone hydrogel to enhance oxygen flow and breathability.

Choosing the Right Silicone Hydrogel Contacts for You

Contact lens wear is influenced by several factors including lifestyle, eye health needs, and individual preferences. Factors such as the frequency of lens wear, outdoor activities, and work environment may be considered.

Contact lenses with smooth edges and surfaces are less likely to cause irritation or friction, contributing to overall comfort for individuals with dry eyes.

Proper care and hygiene are also crucial when wearing contact lenses. Users should follow the recommended cleaning and disinfection procedures and adhere to the prescribed wearing schedule. Based on eye health, prescription, and lifestyle, the eye care professional will help you choose the most suitable type of contact lenses.

Daily vs. Extended Wear Silicone Hydrogel Contacts

When comparing daily and extended wear options in silicone hydrogel contact lenses, it's important to consider factors such as convenience, eye health, and individual preferences.

Wearing Schedule

Daily wear silicone hydrogel contact lenses are designed to be worn during waking hours and removed before sleep. They are typically worn for a single day and discarded, offering a fresh pair each day.

Extended-wear silicone hydrogel contact lenses are designed for continuous wear, including overnight. They can be worn for an extended period, such as one to six nights, depending on the specific lens type and the approval of an eye care professional.

Replacement Frequency

1-day silicone hydrogel contact lenses are replaced daily, providing a new, clean pair for each day. This eliminates the need for cleaning and storage, offering convenience. Individuals with allergies, particularly eye allergies, may benefit from daily disposable lenses. Since there's no accumulation of allergens on the lens surface, these lenses can be a good option for those prone to seasonal or environmental allergies.

Extended-wear contact lenses may have different replacement schedules, such as monthly or bi-weekly. Some extended-wear lenses are designed for continuous use for up to a month before replacement.

Convenience and Maintenance

1-day silicone hydrogel contact lenses are convenient as they do not require cleaning or storage. Users simply discard the lenses at the end of the day, making them a hassle-free option. Daily disposables are convenient for travelers, as they eliminate the need to carry cleaning solutions and lens cases. Users can pack a sufficient supply of lenses for the duration of their trip without the hassle of maintaining lens hygiene on the go.

Extended-wear contact lenses may require regular cleaning and disinfection if not replaced daily. Users should follow the recommended care routine to maintain eye health.

Eye Health Considerations

Daily contacts, being replaced daily, are associated with lower risks of certain eye issues, as there is less opportunity for deposits to accumulate on the lenses.

Extended wear contact lenses carry a slightly higher risk of complications, such as infections, due to the longer duration of continuous wear. Strict adherence to hygiene and replacement schedules is crucial.

Comfort and Dryness

Daily wear contact lenses provide a fresh and comfortable experience each day. This contributes to increased comfort throughout the day. All of Hubble’s contacts are daily disposable, including SkyHy by Hubble and our Classic by Hubble lenses, which start at just $1 for your first order

Extended-wear - Some users find extended-wear contact lenses comfortable for their convenience, but individuals with dry or sensitive eyes may prefer the daily contacts option.

Prescription Contact Lenses: Tailoring to Your Vision Needs

Discover an empowering and convenient way of correcting vision regardless of prescription type. Optimal comfort and fit is the goal in selecting silicone hydrogel contact lenses.

After an eye exam, your contact lenses will be fit and customized to correct individual vision needs using base curve and diameter measurements, this improves vision correction more accurately. Contact lenses are prescribed based on an individual's refractive error (myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, or presbyopia). The prescription is translated into the appropriate lens power and design to correct vision effectively.

To get the most out of the contact lenses, order the safest, simplest, most comfortable fit starting with Hubble. Our contact lenses have been FDA-approved for over a decade and we’re proud to have sold over 400,000,000 pairs to date!

Hubble: Your Destination for Advanced Eye Health and Contacts Online

The latest advancements in contact lens technology include daily disposables typically made of newer materials, such as silicone hydrogel that provide enhanced breathability and moisture retention. This contributes to increased eye health and comfort throughout the day. SkyHy by Hubble Contact Lenses features increased oxygen permeability for enhanced comfort and more breathability.

To get the most out of your contact lenses today—and save some time on contact lens care—start your subscription with Hubble Contacts.

At Hubble, we aim to be the one-stop destination for all of your vision needs, including prescription contacts online, eyeglasses, and eye care accessories, like eye drops. We’ve reimagined the contact lens experience from the ground up, with our signature daily contacts subscription service.

At Hubble, we feature a range of daily disposable contact lenses to meet the needs of all types of wearers. Our daily contact lens personalized subscription changed the way people receive and wear contacts, and we’ve expanded our contact lens offerings over the years to accommodate an even wider range of vision needs.

Hubble ensures your contact lens subscription arrives on time with recurring orders so you never run low. To try our affordable dailies and learn more about our convenient contact subscription offerings.