Differences Between Soft and Hard Contact Lenses

Leonardo DaVinci is credited as the first to conceptualize contact lenses, in the year 1508. However, it was not until the 1970s that the technology and materials were available to make contact lenses that people could comfortably use. There are essentially two types of contact lenses available: hard and soft. Each kind of lens has advantages and disadvantages.

Material

• Hard contact lenses used to be made of glass. Now they're made from a type of plastic and may be referred to as semi-rigid gas permeable lenses. Hard lenses allow a bit of flexibility, but cannot be flexed like soft lenses. Hard lenses are custom-made to conform to the wearer's cornea. Soft lenses, on the other hand, are made of a very malleable plastic. These lenses can be easily turned inside out -- a fact users need to be aware of, before wearing the lens.

Durability

• Hard lenses don't tear easily, which makes them more durable than soft lenses, but will still break if bent too much. Another advantage of hard lenses is that they don't easily absorb common impurities that come into contact with the eyes, such as lotion or soaps. Soft lenses do absorb these impurities, which leads to build-up and eventual ineffectiveness of the lens. The only way to fix such a problem with a soft lens is to replace it. Soft lenses require a gentle touch when being handled, as they can tear fairly easily.

Vision Correction

• Both types of lenses do a good job at correcting vision. Hard contact lenses do a somewhat better job of it, since they are made to fit the individual wearer. Hard lenses are also credited with helping to control the progression of some types of nearsightedness. On the other hand, soft lenses are made for a wider variety of vision problems, and work well to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.

Comfort

• Hard lenses are known for being uncomfortable, at least initially. While the wearer will get used to having the lens on her eye, she'll always be able to feel the lens. Hard lenses also require a breaking-in period, in which the user gets accustomed to wearing the lens. If lenses aren't worn routinely, the breaking-in process has to be repeated. Soft lenses mold to the shape of the eye, and once the wearer is accustomed to the lens, she can switch from glasses to contacts with ease. Soft lenses also have a high water content, which also helps them feel more comfortable.