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Soft contacts are made of soft, flexible plastic that contains water. This material molds to the natural curve of your eye, which is why they are so comfortable. A main benefit of soft contacts is that they allow a lot of oxygen to pass through to your cornea, helping to keep your eyes healthy, and some soft lens designs can also support specialty needs such as varifocal contact lenses for multiple-distance vision.
Among the many types of contact lenses, soft lenses are widely used because they are available in several materials, replacement schedules, and prescription designs. They can also support specific vision needs, from astigmatism correction to age-related near vision changes, where the best multifocal contact lenses may help wearers see more clearly at multiple distances.
The Different Types of Soft Contact Lenses
Soft contact lenses include daily, biweekly, monthly, and extended-wear lenses, as well as prescription-specific designs such as contact lenses for farsightedness, astigmatism, or multifocal correction.
- Daily Disposables are worn for one day and then thrown away. They are a very hygienic option because you use a fresh, sterile pair every single time.
- Biweekly Lenses are worn for up to 14 days. You take them out each night, clean them with a multipurpose disinfecting solution, and store them overnight.
- Monthly Lenses can be used for up to 30 days. Just like biweekly lenses, you take them out each night to clean and store them.
- Extended Wear Lenses are designed to be worn continuously for up to 7 days, even while you sleep, if approved by your eye doctor.
Soft lenses are also available for specific vision needs, including astigmatism (toric lenses) and for age-related near vision issues (multifocal lenses).
Understanding Your Soft Contact Lens Prescription
A contact lens prescription can look confusing but once you know what the abbreviations mean, it is simple to read.
Base Curve (BC)
Base curve measures the lens’s curvature to fit your eye’s shape. A precise match guarantees comfort and clear vision. Too steep a curve causes tightness and irritation, while too flat a curve leads to lens movement and unstable vision. Your eye doctor determines the correct base curve for a secure fit.
Spherical Power (SPH or PWR)
Spherical power indicates the lens strength for vision correction. A minus sign (e.g., -2.50) corrects nearsightedness, improving distance vision. A plus sign (e.g., +1.75) corrects farsightedness, aiding close-up vision. Higher numbers mean stronger correction.
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Cylinder (CYL) and Axis
Cylinder and axis address astigmatism, a condition causing blurry vision due to an irregular cornea. Cylinder measures the correction strength, while axis (1 to 180) pinpoints its location on the lens. These values ensure toric lenses align properly with your eye’s shape. Both are necessary for clear, stable vision.
Diameter (DIA)
Diameter is the lens’s width in millimeters. A correct diameter ensures the lens covers your cornea fully for comfort and stable vision. Too large a lens causes irritation; too small a lens shifts easily. Your eye doctor measures your cornea to select the right size.
Add Power (ADD)
Add power provides extra magnification for near vision in multifocal or bifocal lenses. It helps people over 40 with presbyopia, an age-related focus issue. This value corrects close-up vision for tasks like reading. It allows clear sight at multiple distances without reading glasses.
Tint
Tint is a subtle lens color, often light blue or green, aiding handling. It makes lenses easier to see during insertion or removal. Some tints enhance natural eye color without affecting vision. Prescriptions note tint type for clarity.
How to Read a Sample Soft Contact Prescription
What goes into a prescription for soft contact lenses? At the top part, you’ll usually see the name of your eye care professional, their license number, your name and contact information, the prescription number, and the expiration date.
Below that, the prescription is organized into two sections: dispensing information and Rx details.
First, look at the dispensing information for each eye. This is where you’ll find the specific brand and product name of your contact lenses.
Dispensing Information
| Dispensing Information | |
|---|---|
| Right Eye (OD) | Acuvue Oasys 6-pk. |
| Left Eye (OS) | Acuvue Oasys 6-pk. |
OD stands for oculus dexter, which is the Latin phrase for “right eye.” OS stands for oculus sinister, which is the Latin phrase for “left eye.” It just makes it easier for doctors and manufacturers to identify which lens is for which eye.
Next, you have the Rx Details table. This lists the specific values for your vision, and each eye has its own unique measurements.
Rx Details
| BC | SPH | CYL | Axis | DIA | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Right Eye (OD) | 8.80 | -1.50 | 14.0 | ||
| Left Eye (OS) | 8.80 | -1.50 | 14.0 |
Some prescriptions also include Cylinder (CYL) and Axis for astigmatism, Add Power (ADD) for presbyopia, and a Tint if your lenses have a subtle color.
What Are Soft Contacts Made Of?
Most soft contacts are made from one of two main materials: hydrogel or silicone hydrogel. Both materials are a type of flexible plastic that feels comfortable on the eye.
Hydrogel lenses have a high water content. Silicone hydrogel is a newer material that allows a greater amount of oxygen to reach the cornea. Both types of lenses are comfortable and durable. You can be confident with either choice.
Why Choose Soft Contact Lenses?
Soft contact lenses provide a comfortable and effective way to correct your vision. Knowing what each term means and how it relates to your eye health helps you make informed choices and find a good fit. Always consult with your eye care professional to find the right type of lenses for your needs and lifestyle.
