Silicone Hydrogel vs Hydrogel Contact Lenses — What’s the Difference?

The main difference between silicone hydrogel and traditional hydrogel contact lenses lies in their materials and how much oxygen they let pass through to your eyes. Understanding this difference can help you choose the best lenses for your comfort and eye health.

Traditional hydrogel lenses are made primarily from water and a soft plastic polymer. They've been around since the 1970s and work by absorbing water to stay soft and flexible on your eye. The more water they contain, the more oxygen can pass through them to keep your eyes healthy.

Silicone hydrogel lenses combine the water-loving properties of hydrogel with silicone, a material that naturally allows oxygen to pass through easily. This combination creates lenses that deliver significantly more oxygen to your eyes, even with lower water content.

Oxygen Makes the Difference

Your cornea needs oxygen to stay healthy, and it gets this oxygen directly from the air since it doesn't have blood vessels. When you wear contact lenses, they act as a barrier between your eye and the air. Higher oxygen transmission means your eyes can breathe better throughout the day.

Silicone hydrogel lenses typically allow three to five times more oxygen to reach your eyes compared to traditional hydrogel lenses. This increased oxygen flow can reduce eye fatigue, dryness, and the risk of complications from long-term contact lens wear.

Comfort and Practical Considerations

Many people find silicone hydrogel lenses more comfortable for extended wear because of their superior oxygen transmission. They're often recommended for people who wear contacts for long hours or experience dryness with traditional hydrogel lenses.

However, the silicone component can make these lenses feel slightly less soft initially. Some wearers need a brief adjustment period to get used to the different feel, though most adapt quickly.

Traditional hydrogel lenses often feel softer and more natural when first inserted. They remain an excellent choice for many people, especially those who wear contacts only occasionally or for shorter periods.

Cost can also be a factor, as silicone hydrogel lenses typically cost more than traditional hydrogel options. However, the price difference has decreased as these newer materials have become more common.

Factors like your tear production, wearing schedule, and any existing eye sensitivities will influence which type of lens material provides the best combination of comfort, vision, and eye health for you.  Your health and your eyes are unique to you and CheapAsContacts wants to ensure you evaluate these options.