Silicone hydrogel is a soft contact lens material that has gained popularity for its unique properties and benefits.
Unlike traditional hydrogel lenses, made primarily of water, silicone hydrogel lenses incorporate silicone into their structure, resulting in improved oxygen permeability and other advantageous characteristics.
Key Features
Here are some key features of silicone hydrogel contact lenses and their obvious uses:
High Oxygen Permeability – Silicone hydrogel lenses allow significantly more oxygen to reach the cornea compared to conventional hydrogel lenses. This increased oxygen permeability helps maintain eye health and reduces the risk of complications such as corneal hypoxia and neovascularization.
Extended Wear – Due to their enhanced oxygen transmission, silicone hydrogel lenses are often approved for extended wear, allowing wearers to keep them in for longer periods without removing them. This feature is especially beneficial for individuals with busy lifestyles or those who prefer the convenience of not having to remove their lenses daily.
Comfort – Silicone hydrogel lenses tend to offer greater comfort compared to traditional hydrogel lenses, as they retain more moisture and allow for better tear exchange. This improved comfort makes them a preferred choice for individuals who experience dryness or discomfort while wearing contact lenses.
Reduced Risk of Dry Eye – Silicone hydrogel lenses’ breathable nature helps to reduce the occurrence of dry eye symptoms, as they allow more oxygen to reach the surface of the eye. This can be particularly advantageous for contact lens wearers who spend extended periods in environments with low humidity or high levels of air conditioning.
Clear and Crisp Vision – Silicone hydrogel lenses provide excellent optical clarity, allowing wearers to enjoy crisp and clear vision throughout the day. Their advanced material properties help to maintain a smooth lens surface, reducing the risk of visual disturbances such as halos and glare.
UV Protection – Some silicone hydrogel lenses are designed with built-in UV protection to help block harmful ultraviolet rays from reaching the eyes. This added feature can contribute to the long-term health of the eyes by reducing the risk of UV-related ocular conditions, such as cataracts and macular degeneration.
Who Uses It?
Many contact lens manufacturers offer silicone hydrogel contact lenses due to their popularity and benefits for wearers. Some of the major manufacturers known for producing silicone hydrogel contact lenses include:
Alcon (a division of Novartis): Alcon produces several silicone hydrogel contact lens brands, including Air Optix and Dailies Total 1. These lenses are known for their high oxygen permeability and comfort.
Bausch + Lomb: Bausch + Lomb offers silicone hydrogel lenses under various brand names, such as Biotrue ONEday and Ultra contact lenses. These lenses are designed for comfortable wear and excellent vision quality.
CooperVision: CooperVision manufactures silicone hydrogel contact lenses under brands like Biofinity and Clariti. These lenses are known for their combination of breathability, comfort, and long-lasting hydration.
Johnson & Johnson Vision (formerly known as Vistakon): Johnson & Johnson Vision produces silicone hydrogel contact lenses under the Acuvue brand, including Acuvue Oasys and Acuvue Vita. These lenses offer high oxygen transmission and all-day comfort.
Menicon: Menicon offers silicone hydrogel lenses under the Menicon PremiO brand. These lenses are designed to provide exceptional oxygen delivery to the cornea while maintaining comfort and clarity of vision.
X-Cel Specialty Contacts: X-Cel Specialty Contacts manufactures silicone hydrogel lenses under the Atlantis Scleral brand. These lenses are specifically designed for individuals with irregular corneas or certain eye conditions, offering improved comfort and vision correction.
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