Soft Contact Lens

Based on wear modality: Daily disposable CL, monthly CL, yearly CL
Based on material: Hydrogel cl and Silicon Hydrogel cl (SiHy)

Daily disposable CL: These are the most convenient, safe, and relatively expensive CL. As the name suggests, these lenses are available in a pack of 30 lenses, and one lens is worn for 1 day only. Due to their one-time use nature chances of eye infection are the least, and they do not require any cleaning and maintenance. These are ideal for occasional lens wearers as each lens is separately packed and can be used later. Available in Hydrogel and SiHy material. The All Power range is not available.

Monthly cl: Most commonly used . Usually available in pack or 3 or 6 lens, one lens is used for one month. It requires storing the lens in lens case and cleaning it every time before wearing by lens cleaning solution available. Available in both Hydrogel and SiHy material. Very high power range is not available.

Yearly cl: Requires more care and has increased chances of complications. 1 lens is used for one year requiring storage and maintenance with cleaning solution. This type of cl is recommended for individuals when power is very high and not available in monthly cl. In India available material is Hydrogel.

CL Material: Hydrogel is an older material and has less dk/t (oxygen transmissibility), meaning these lenses are worn for a shorter duration per day, approximately. 8 hrs. When worn for a longer duration, dryness and irritation can occur. Silicon Hydrogel (SiHy) is a newer material and has high dk, so it can usually be worn for approximately 12 hours to 18 hours per day. A minimum dk/t of 35 is suggested for open eye lens wear and a dk/t of 125 for closed eye lens wear. Less dk/t can cause hypoxia in the cornea (eye layer), which can lead to eye infection in long-term use.