Soft lenses and hard lenses: advantages and disadvantages, care tips

If you have made your choice to wear contact lenses instead of glasses, the next step is to choose the type of lens that suits you. There are two types contact lense which is now available on the market, namely soft contact lenses and hard contact lenses. Of course, before making up your mind to buy, you must first know what is the difference between a soft lens and a hard lens. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of each type of lens that you need to know.

What is a soft lens?

Soft lens orsoft contact lensesare a type of soft contact lens, made of soft and flexible plastic that allows oxygen to easily penetrate the cornea. Newer soft lens materials are usually made of silicone-hydrogel, which allows more oxygen to enter the eye as long as you wear the lens.

Soft lenses, including the type of extended eye-wear contact lenses. This means that they can be worn continuously for a specified period of use (eg 7 days to 30 days) and then thrown away. However, the length of continuous use will depend on the type of lens and the doctor's evaluation during routine eye checks.

There are two types of loft lenses. "Disposable" aka disposable, which means the lens must be used only once to then throw away and replace a new one for the next use. There is also a prescription so that it can be used for a full day. This type of soft lens can also be worn overnight, but must be replaced with a new pair every day.

What is a hard lens?

Hard lenses or rigid gas permeable contact lenses (RGPs) are a type of contact lens that is harder and stiffer than soft lenses, but can still let oxygen into the eye. Generally, hard lenses provide clearer and sharper vision than soft contact lenses.

In addition, hard lenses tend to require less maintenance costs because they last longer than soft lenses and are more resistant to accumulation of dirt deposits. Therefore, the replacement schedule for these "hard" lenses will be longer than for soft lenses.

Which contact lenses are better for the eyes?

Before you decide which one to buy, first consider the advantages and disadvantages of each of these types of lenses:

soft lens

The advantages of using a soft lens

• More comfortable when used, especially for the first time use.
• The adaptation period is shorter for new contact lens users.
• Ideal for intermittent or detachable use.
• Less sensitive to foreign objects under the lens, such as dust.
• It rarely gets out of the eye so it is more ideal to wear during sports.
• Available in various colors.

Lack of using a soft lens

• Less durable in comparison hard contact lenses.
• Can dry out, especially when wearing hair dryer, in a hot room or in a windy and dry weather, which causes discomfort to some people.
• More lens maintenance is required.
• Susceptible to protein or fat deposits, which will reduce lens performance in the long run.
• May absorb chemicals from the environment, which can cause eye irritation.

Hard lens

The advantages of using a hard lens

• Can correct corneal or cylindrical astigmatism.
• Very durable.
• Easier maintenance.
• Easy to use.
• Does not cause dry eyes.
• Can maintain its shape.
• Available in bifocals and multifocals.
• Available in various colors.

Lack of using a hard lens

• Less comfortable at the beginning of use.
• The adaptation period takes longer.
• More sensitive to foreign objects under the lens, such as dust.
• It's easier to get out of the eye
• The lens can be scratched and broken.
• The usage cannot be separated.

After you know the advantages and disadvantages of each lens, you can determine what type of contact lens you will choose and it would be better if you decide with an eye doctor before you start wearing contact lenses.

Whichever lens you wear, remember to always take good care of it

• Compared to eyeglasses, contact lenses require a longer initial eye exam and more visits follow-up to maintain eye health.
• You need to take care of your contact lenses by cleaning them regularly and storing them properly.
• Paying attention to the expiration date of contact lenses is also important. You will need to stick to a schedule for disposing of your used contact lenses.
• Whenever you remove the lens after wearing it, be sure to clean and sterilize it properly before replacing it.
• It is also important to rest your eyes by removing contacts at least one night before your scheduled new lens change.