What Are Soft Contact Lenses Made Of?

Have you ever wondered, what are soft contact lenses made of?  Millions of people use them every day, but many never even stop to wonder what they are putting into their eye. 

The first contact lenses, invented over 100 years ago, were actually made of glass.  Then they progressed to a hard plastic material, which is what many of us remember as hard contact lenses in the '60s, ‘70s and early '80s.  These hard lenses were actually made of the same material that Plexiglass is made of.   

Next, hard lenses gave way to RGP (rigid gas permeable) lenses, which were the first polymer lenses to actually allow oxygen through to the cornea; which is imperative for comfort and the health of the eye. 

Finally, the invention of soft contact lenses made wearing lenses a reality for nearly everyone.  The first commercial lenses were Bausch and Lomb contact lenses in 1971; although the technology had existed and was being tested for nearly twenty years at that point.  The first soft lenses used a hydrogel material, which allowed the lenses to stay moist and therefore more comfortable. 

In 1999, the introduction of silicone hydrogels once again changed the industry; this new combination of materials increased breathability and oxygen permeability, which in turn allows the consumer to wear the lens for an extended amount of time. 

In the last decade or two, ever-changing technology has completely changed the face of the contact lens industry.  Now, nearly everyone, regardless of their vision needs, can find a soft contact lens that's right for them.  Even people presbyopia, a condition of the eye which causes blurriness with age, can find bifocal and multifocal contact lenses.  People with astigmatism can now find plenty of options of contact lenses for astigmatism.  

There are daily disposable contact lenses for those who like to wear their lenses once and throw them away, or extended wear lenses for people who like to put them in and forget about them.  There are contact lenses with UV protection, tinted lenses for easier handling, and colored lenses to completely change your appearance.

But all of this is possible because of one thing; the advanced technology that has changed the material used to make soft contact lenses.  Although all soft contact lenses made today are made primarily of hydrophilic (water loving) polymer plastics, there are different variations within this technology that offer different benefits among the different brands. 

Proclear contact lenses, for example, use their patented PC Technology in their material; which means that the lenses contain molecules of phosphorylcholine (PC), a natural substance found in human cell membranes.  This protects the lenses from build-up and keeps them moist, for an extended amount of daily wear. 

Acuvue also have their own patented technology, called Hydraclear Plus technology.  This allows their soft lenses to be made with a higher amount of moisture-rish wetting agent, which creates an extra smooth, hydrated lens; keeping the lens moist, and retaining moisture all day for long wearability and comfort. 

Despite all the options and variations in technology, all soft contact lenses made today have one thing in common; ensuring a comfortable fit and clear vision without the need for surgery or glasses. 

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