What are silicone hydrogel contact lenses?

Medically reviewed by Tina Patel, Contact Lens Optician at Feel Good Contacts on 07/03/2023.

What is silicone hydrogel?

Silicone hydrogel is an advanced plastic material used to make contact lenses that offer enhanced comfort and a longer wearing time for the wearer. The material achieves this by being highly breathable and allowing more oxygen to reach the eye than most other soft contacts. Silicone hydrogel was originally intended for long periods of uninterrupted use, including overnight wear, with minimal lens handling and cleaning. Today, this material is most used for daily wear lenses that are removed at night, and for daily disposable, single-use lenses that are thrown away and the end of each day.

Silicone hydrogel contact lenses also boast a highly wettable design that locks in moisture to retain a flexible shape, making it easier for the lens to follow your eye’s movements.

What are the benefits of silicone hydrogel contact lenses?

One of the major benefits of choosing silicone hydrogel contact lenses is the increased comfort you’ll experience. The eye receives more oxygen due to the breathable material, keeping eyes fresh and hydrated, and therefore reducing the risk of infection or irritation which can occur as a symptom of dry eyes.

Silicone hydrogel lenses have also developed a reputation as some of the most comfortable contacts around, with exceptional breathability and a water-locking design that keep eyes moist and fresh for longer. As a result of this unique design and its high level of water retention, silicone hydrogel contact lenses can also be worn for longer than most other lenses.

We stock a wide selection of silicone hydrogel contact lenses at Feel Good Contacts, including Acuvue Oasys, Air Optix Aqua, Acuvue Oasys 1-Day with HydraLuxe, Biofinity and Dailies Total 1. Silicone hydrogel lenses are available for those with astigmatism (toric lenses) and presbyopia (multifocal lenses).

Quick links: