Updated July 3rd, 2026 – Most soft contact lenses available today are made from either hydrogel or silicone hydrogel. Although both materials are flexible and designed to conform to your eye, they differ in water content, oxygen transmission, and overall performance.
Understanding how these materials compare can help you navigate the different types of contact lenses and discuss the most appropriate option for your comfort, eye health, and wearing routine with your eye care professional.
The History of Hydrogel Contact Lenses
In 1959, Czech chemists Otto Wichterle and Drahoslav Lím published a paper entitled “Hydrophilic Gels for Biological Use” in the journal Nature. By 1961, Wichterle succeeded in making the world’s first four hydrogel contact lenses. In 1965, the National Patent Development Corporation (NPDC) purchased the American rights to manufacture hydrogel contact lenses. The NPDC then sublicensed these rights to Bausch + Lomb. In 1971, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first use of Soflens, the hydrogel material manufactured by Bausch + Lomb.
What are Hydrogel Contact Lenses?
Monthly, biweekly, and 1 day silicone hydrogel contact lenses are made of a water-infused polymer known as hydrogel. Hydrogel is a thin and pliable material, allowing it to conform to the shape of the eye. In the 1970s, doctors started to prescribe hydrogel contact lenses more often than other types of contact lenses due to their comfort and ease of use. This led to hydrogel contact lenses rising in popularity.
What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Hydrogel Contact Lenses?
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Advantages of Hydrogel Contact Lenses:
- Comfortable, durable, and easy to use.
- High biocompatibility with the human eye, reducing risk of negative immune response.
- High water content, making them suitable for sensitive eyes and those with dry eye syndrome.
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Disadvantages of Hydrogel Contact Lenses:
- Water content gradually evaporates, limiting comfort during extended wear.
- Low oxygen permeability, which may impact long-term eye health.
The History of Silicone Hydrogel Contact Lenses
Manufacturers were able to improve the hydrogel polymers used in contact lenses over the two decades after the FDA first approved hydrogel contact lenses in the US. This improvement resulted in the introduction of silicone hydrogel contact lenses. In 1998, Ciba Vision (now known as ALCON) introduced the first silicone hydrogel contact lenses in Mexico. In 2002, the US started marketing silicone hydrogel contact lenses.
What are Silicone Hydrogel Contact Lenses?
The improvement of hydrogel polymers led to silicone hydrogel contact lenses. From the name itself, silicone hydrogel is a polymer that contains both hydrogel and silicone. Silicone is a gel-like polymer that has a high degree of flexibility, making it a superb material for contact lenses. Like hydrogel, silicone hydrogel contains water. However, unlike hydrogel, silicone hydrogel is more porous and has increased oxygen permeability.
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What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Silicone Hydrogel Contact Lenses?
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High Oxygen Permeability:
- Allows up to five times more oxygen to reach the cornea than hydrogel lenses, promoting eye health and comfort during extended wear.
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Reduced Risk of Corneal Hypoxia:
- Lower chance of oxygen deprivation, minimizing issues like redness and irritation. Suitable for extended wear and busy schedules.
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Potential Drawbacks:
- Prone to deposit buildup; requires regular cleaning.
- Not suitable for users with silicone sensitivities—alternatives may be needed.
Which Contact Lens Material is Best for You?
Hydrogel contact lenses offer comfort and high water content, making them a good choice for those with dry eyes, though they may be less suitable for extended wear due to gradual water evaporation. You can order Biotrue ONEday or other hydrogel contacts online through Lens.com and explore affordable options for sensitive eyes.
Silicone hydrogel lenses, on the other hand, allow higher oxygen flow, reducing the risk of corneal hypoxia and enabling longer wear. Many wearers buy 1-Day Acuvue TruEye or other silicone hydrogel contacts for their breathability and convenience during extended wear. Another brand, PureVision, produces high-tech silicone hydrogel Balafilcon A contact lenses.
Ultimately, neither hydrogel nor silicone hydrogel is universally “better.” The ideal lens material depends on your unique eye needs and comfort. To find the best option for you, consult with your eye care professional for personalized guidance.
This guide serves as an informational resource and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Summary Graphic: Hydrogel vs. Silicone Hydrogel: What Are The Differences?
