Hydrogel & Silicone Hydrogel Lenses – What’s the Difference?

Did you know that there are 2 types of daily disposable contact lenses? No, you may not have even thought about it, but here are some facts about Hydrogel and Silicone Hydrogel – in case you ever have to decide between the two.

A Quick Timeline of Contact Lenses…

The idea of a contact lens has been around since the days of Leonardo da Vinci, but the ones that we all know (and potentially wear) are from the 1950s and 60s onwards.

As with everything, time goes on and things develop, and this is the same for contact lenses.

1960s: Hydrogel lenses were first made

1980s: Disposable lenses were released

1990s onwards: Silicone Hydrogel lenses began being manufactured.

Cropped shot of a beautiful young woman putting in her contact lenses at home

What Are the Different Benefits?

Silicone Hydrogel Lenses

So, given that Silicone Hydrogel lenses are newer they are better, right? Well, we can’t deny the benefits of them that’s for sure!

Silicone Hydrogel lenses allow more oxygen to reach your eye than hydrogel lenses, up to 5 times more in fact! Which means extra comfort, longer wearing time and better eye health.

If the corneas in your eyes don’t get enough oxygen, they can become uncomfortable, red, swollen and you could have blurred vision, and this can all lead to developing a nasty eye infection. Silicone Hydrogel can minimise this risk and they are the most commonly prescribed soft contact lens in the UK now.

Silicone Hydrogel are now available in many more powers and base curves, so the fit can be more comfortable than earlier Silicone Hydrogel lenses, so there is no reason to not try them.

But before you all go rushing out to your opticians and ask to be fitted with a Silicone Hydrogel lens, remember, your opticians will have fitted you with the best contact lens for your eye.

Hydrogel Lenses

It is not all doom and gloom when it comes to Hydrogel lenses though. For some wearers, the Hydrogel lenses have a better wettability than some Silicone Hydrogel and of course there is the pricing too.

Hydrogel lenses are cheaper than the Silicone Hydrogel lenses – but who can put a price on the health of their eyes?!

Getting Your Lenses from Superdrug

If you are still intrigued and want to try a Silicone Hydrogel lens, why not on your next contact lens aftercare appointment ask for more information on lenses such as Acuvue Oasys 1 day or Dailies Total1 contact lenses?

And remember you can always pick up your branded daily disposable contact lenses (Hydrogel or Silicone Hydrogel) from Superdrug along with all your health and beauty favs too.