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What are silicone hydrogel contact lenses?

Silicone hydrogel lenses are soft contact lenses, preferred by many to hydrogel or rigid contact lenses for their greater permeability to oxygen.

How is silicone hydrogel made?

Silicone hydrogel is made of different materials, depending on the manufacturer and the type of lens. However, they all use a combination of hydrophilic gel (or for short: hydrogel), which is a chain of water-loving molecules, as well as a silicone polymer with high oxygen permeability.

Types of silicone hydrogel contact lenses

Silicone hydrogel contact lenses are available in different types:

Daily contact lenses

Silicone hydrogel daily contact lenses are designed to be worn only one day, having to be discarded before going to bed. They are ideal for occasional contact lens wearers, require no maintenance and are an affordable solution.

Biweekly lenses

The fortnightly silicone hydrogel can be used for up to two weeks, when removed, cleaned and stored overnight. These lenses are a good option for people who wear contact lenses regularly and want the freshness and comfort of everyday wear.

Monthly lenses

Monthly silicone hydrogel contact lenses can be worn for up to 30 days before being replaced with a new pair. Very similar to biweekly lenses should be removed and cleaned at the end of the day before storing them overnight. They are an inexpensive solution for anyone who wears contact lenses on a daily basis.

Advantages of silicone hydrogel contact lenses

The best known advantage of silicone hydrogel contact lenses is their higher oxygen permeability, which is superior to that of normal hydrogel contact lenses. In turn, some consider contact lenses to be much more comfortable and healthy.

Oxygen permeability

Compared to normal hydrogel lenses, the oxygen permeability of silicone hydrogels is significantly higher. This prevents the development of hypoxia, a condition of the eye when oxygen is low. Hypoxia can increase the risk of eye infections.

Greater comfort

Silicone hydrogels have less water than hydrogel contact lenses, reducing the risk of the lenses becoming dehydrated during the day. In addition, due to the increased oxygen permeability and the design that allows greater protection against deposits, many people find these lenses comfortable. They tend to cause less redness, irritation or discomfort, especially if used for a long time.

Disadvantages of silicone hydrogel contact lenses

Not everyone prefers silicone hydrogel lenses to hydrogel lenses. Although some find that silicone hydrogels attract more lipids, many have problems with the slightly stiff material or its high price.

Rigidity

Thanks to the addition of silicone, these contact lenses keep their shape and are more durable than hydrogels. While some people prefer silicone hydrogel lenses because the insertion and removal process is easier, others may experience more difficulty than hydrogel lenses during initial wear. New generations of silicone hydrogel lenses have addressed this problem and are looking for a solution that makes them more flexible.

Costs

Silicone hydrogel contact lenses are considered a very high quality product, despite having a higher cost than hydrogels. Those who find more benefits in the use of hydrogel contact lenses will not want to pay a higher price.

Are silicone hydrogel contact lenses better?

Silicone hydrogel and allergies. If you suffer from seasonal allergies, such as pollen, or are affected year-round by irritants, such as dust or pet hair, you may experience further irritation. Irritants can adhere to the lens surface and increase itchiness and redness.