Updated: January 21, 2026
Soft contact lenses are flexible, water-containing contact lenses made from hydrogel or silicone hydrogel materials. They conform to the surface of the eye and usually feel comfortable quickly, which is why they are the most commonly worn type of contact lens. Soft lenses can correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism (toric), and presbyopia (multifocal) depending on the lens design.
What to Know:
- Materials: hydrogel holds water for comfort, while silicone hydrogel is designed to transmit more oxygen to the cornea.
- Wear schedules: many soft lenses are available as daily disposable, bi-weekly, or monthly, and you should replace them on the prescribed schedule.
- Care: daily lenses are discarded after one use, while reusable lenses must be cleaned and disinfected with the correct solution after every wear.
- Safety: stop wearing lenses and seek prompt care for pain, increasing redness, light sensitivity, discharge, or sudden blurry vision.
Soft contact lenses are popular because they are comfortable and versatile, but safe wear depends on the right fit, correct wear schedule, and proper hygiene.
Disclaimer: This information is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
References:
Types of Contact Lenses. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/contact-lenses/types-contact-lenses. January 16, 2018.
About Contact Lens Types. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). https://www.cdc.gov/contact-lenses/about/about-contact-lens-types.html. Updated May 27, 2025.
25 Years of Silicone Hydrogels. Contact Lens Spectrum. https://www.clspectrum.com/issues/2025/april/25-years-of-silicone-hydrogels/. Published April 1, 2025.
