Whether you wear contact lenses already or are hoping to start soon, you may be wondering which are better: hard or soft lenses? Today, the expert eye doctors from Comprehensive Eye Care in Washington, MO, will explain what you need to know.

Hard Vs. Soft Contact Lenses: What’s The Difference?

Hard Contact Lenses

Hard contact lenses, or Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) lenses, were created more than 50 years ago. Since then, they’ve been modified to allow greater comfort and more moisture. Hard contact lenses provide a few benefits over soft contact lenses, including clearer, more crisp vision and greater durability. Due to their harder exterior, they are generally easier to care for, clean, and handle than soft lenses. They are also are particularly beneficial for correcting astigmatism. However, they are often initially considered less comfortable than soft contacts and are more susceptible to breaking or scratching. They require a bit more time to adapt to and are more vulnerable to getting dust and debris trapped underneath them.

Soft Contact Lenses

Soft contact lenses are the most common variety worn. They are extremely flexible and conform to the eye’s surface. For that reason, they are often initially more comfortable for wearers and require less time to adjust to. They’re a favorite among athletes because they rarely fall out of the eye, even while playing contact sports. They come in a variety of colors, brands, and varieties. They are ideal for intermittent wear since the eye doesn’t need to adjust to wearing them. However, they are less durable than hard lenses and are more prone to drying out. They also are susceptible to protein and lipid deposits that require diligent cleaning to combat.

Ultimately, there are advantages and disadvantages of both types of lenses. To figure out which variety works best for you, talk to your eye doctor. The caring experts from Comprehensive Eye Care are happy to conduct an eye exam and help you find the right solution. To schedule an appointment, call today at (636) 390-3999. For more information, visit the website.