what are contact lens made of

What Are Contact Lens Made of?

 

Contact lenses have become a popular choice for millions worldwide, thanks to their convenience, variety, and ever-evolving technology. But have you ever paused to consider what are contact lens made of?

From traditional hydrogel to advanced silicone hydrogel, and rigid gas permeable lenses, the materials chosen by manufacturers directly impact the oxygen permeability, moisture content, and overall comfort of your lenses.

Join us as we delve into the specifics of what makes each type of contact lens unique, providing a comprehensive look at these tiny yet transformative objects.

What this article covers:

Types of Contact Lens Materials

The world of contact lenses is more diverse than one might think. With materials engineered to cater to various comfort levels, wearing schedules, and vision correction needs, whether you choose to wear daily contacts or a monthly contact lens, contact lenses come in all sorts and types.

Let's explore the common materials used in contact lenses.

Soft Contact Lens Materials

Soft contact lenses, renowned for their comfort and versatility, are predominantly made from hydrogel or silicone hydrogel materials.

These materials are designed to be pliable and gel-like, unlike their rigid gas permeable (RGP) counterparts, allowing for a snug fit that conforms well to the eyeball's surface. But what is each material, specifically and what benefits do they offer lens wearers?

Hydrogel Lenses

Introduced in the 1960s, hydrogel lenses brought about a significant shift in contact lens technology due to their remarkable comfort and high water content.

contact lenses material

One of the main benefits of hydrogel lenses is their soft and gel-like consistency, providing a comfortable experience, particularly for first-time contact lens users who aren't used to the sensation of wearing contacts.

With a water content ranging between 38% to 75%, these lenses are made from hydrophilic polymers like enfilcon and hilafilcon B, materials renowned for their ability to mix well with water.

This refers to the lens material's “wettability”—higher wettability means that the tears spread more evenly across the surface of the lens, keeping it and the eye's surface moist.

Thanks to their high water composition, they're a suitable option for combating dry eyes, a common issue with generic contact lens wear.

For those interested in trying out hydrogel lenses, Acuvue 2 is a popular choice. These lenses are known for comfort and clarity, providing consistent moisture, especially beneficial for those prone to dry eyes.

If you've already tried them and are looking for another option, consider Soflens!

Silicone Hydrogel Lenses

Silicone hydrogel lenses, a groundbreaking development in contact lens history, initially available in the early 2000s, have transformed the contact lens industry with their innovative design and superior comfort.

These lenses are crafted from a unique type of soft material that significantly enhances oxygen delivery to the cornea, promoting better eye health and comfort for extended wear.

Our findings show that the incorporation of silicone, a material known for its exceptional flexibility and oxygen permeability, sets these lenses apart.

daily contact lenses canada

They utilize specific polymers that combine silicone with hydrogel, forming a hybrid material that optimizes oxygen flow while maintaining essential moisture for comfortable wear.

The standout benefit of silicone hydrogel lenses is their capacity for prolonged wear without discomfort, attributed to their high oxygen transmissibility. This feature caters to extended wear, allowing continuous use, both day and night, for certain periods, often up to a week.

Not only is it used in brands of multifocal contact lenses, but also in general correction lenses. At Fresh Lens, we provide a diverse selection; consider the Air Optix Night & Day Aqua, which utilizes SmartShield Technology, creating an ultra-thin protective layer to help shield your lenses from deposits.

Alternatively, the daily disposable contact lenses brand Dailies Total 1 employs water gradient technology, providing exceptional comfort by increasing water content from core to surface.

Rigid Gas Permeable Contact Lenses

Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) contact lenses, also known as GP or hard contacts, have been a staple in vision correction since their introduction in the late 1970s. Unlike their soft counterparts, these lenses are made from a firm, durable material that retains its shape, providing sharp, clear vision. 

Our research indicates that the materials used in RGP lenses are silicone-based polymers such as fluorosilicone acrylate, which allow oxygen to pass through the lens to the eye, ensuring eye health and comfort for extended wear.

One of the key benefits of RGP lenses is their ability to provide crisp vision for individuals with conditions like astigmatism or keratoconus.

soft contact lens material

Not only are they durable and resistant to deposit buildup, with proper care, they can last for years.

Conclusion

Based on our observations, understanding lens materials is key as it directly impacts your eye health and comfort.

From the traditional hydrogel lenses known for their high water content and comfort to the advanced silicone hydrogel lenses, the materials used in contact lenses have evolved tremendously to meet the diverse needs of lens wearers.

Ready to transform your vision experience with a brand that understands your contact lens requirements? Visit Fresh Lens today and embark on a journey toward clearer, more comfortable vision.

If you want to learn more, why not check out these articles below:

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Frequently Asked Questions.

How do I order contact lenses?

Ordering contact lenses through Fresh Lens is a simple process:


Browse and Choose: Explore our extensive collection of contact lenses to find the perfect fit for your needs. Whether you're looking for daily, weekly, or monthly lenses, we have a wide range of options to suit your lifestyle.


Enter Your Prescription: Have your prescription details ready? Great! Enter the necessary information during the ordering process. This ensures that you receive lenses tailored to your specific vision requirements.


Add to Cart: Once you've input your prescription, add the selected contact lenses to your cart. Take your time to review your choices and ensure they align with your preferences and prescription needs.


Checkout with Ease: Ready to proceed? Head to the checkout, where you'll provide your shipping details. Our user-friendly interface makes it a breeze to complete your purchase securely. Simply follow the prompts and finalize your order by making a seamless payment.


Remember, it’s important to have a current prescription from your optometrist when ordering contact lenses. Stay safe and take care of your eyes! 👀

How fast will I get my contact lenses?

We understand how important it is to receive your contact lenses quickly and efficiently. At Fresh Lens, we offer several shipping options to ensure your order arrives as promptly as possible.

For Canadian Orders:

  • Your contact lenses will be shipped via Xpresspost and typically take 3-5 business days to arrive from the date of your order. You'll receive a tracking number once your order ships, so you can follow its journey to your doorstep.

For US Orders:

  • We provide three convenient shipping methods to cater to your needs:
  1. USPS Tracked Packet: Your lenses will arrive in 3-5 business days.
  2. Xpresspost USA: A faster option, with delivery in 2-3 business days.
  3. Next Day USA: For the quickest delivery, your lenses will arrive in 1-2 business days.

Regardless of the method you choose, we’ll email you a tracking number once your order ships. Please note that while these are average shipping times, actual delivery may vary slightly. If your prescription is not in stock, it may take an additional 2 business days to order from the manufacturer.

Choose Fresh Lens for reliable and swift delivery of your contact lenses!

How can I renew my expired prescription?

Renewing your expired prescription with Fresh Lens is quick and easy! We offer a free online tool that allows you to update your prescription in just 6 minutes (available for orders over $200).

Here’s how it works:

  1. Take the Test Online: All you need is your phone, computer, and 10 feet of space. The test takes about 6 minutes to complete.
  2. Doctor Reviews Your Results: A licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist in your region will review and approve your results.
  3. Use Your Results: Access your updated prescription anytime through our online portal.


Benefits:

  • Convenient: Complete the test from the comfort of your home.
  • Accessible: Access your prescription anywhere, anytime.
  • Doctor Approved: All prescriptions are issued by licensed eye care professionals.

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