Benefit Bar - Test

reorder in 3 clicks

<div><p><strong>Reorder in 3 clicks</strong></p></div>

Benefit Bar - Test 2

return guarantee

Your 365-day guarantee

<div><p><strong>365-day guarantee</strong></p></div>

Benefit Bar - Test 3

Delivery information

<div><p><strong>Speedy Delivery</strong></p></div>

header_benefit_bar

Stores & Eye tests

STORES & EYE TESTS

header_find_a_store

header_search

header_search_trending_now

Key Selling Bar Test Banner 1

Reorder in 3 clicks

Key Selling Bar Test Banner 2

365-day guarantee

Key Selling Bar Test Banner 3

Speedy Delivery

header_key_selling_bar

Contact Lenses

Brands

BRANDS

BRANDS CTA

header_ddm_first_column

Shop by Wear

SHOP BY WEAR

Shop by Type

SHOP BY TYPE

header_ddm_second_column

Big Menu Banner

<div><p>Treat your eyes to our most hydrating dailies</p></div>

FREE CONTACT LENSES

header_ddm_third_column

Eye Care

EYE CARE

EYE CARE CTA

Top Products

Shop By Brand

Solutions

SOLUTIONS MENU

SOLUTIONS CTA

Shop by Brand

Help and News DDM

Help & News

HELP AND NEWS

HELP AND NEWS CTA

Eye Care Centre

Blog

Special offers

OFFERS

Shop by Brands

Acuvue Contact Lenses (contact_lenses_brand_acuvue)

Acuvue

Air Optix Contact Lenses (contact_lenses_brand_air_optix)

Air Optix

Biofinity Contact Lenses (contact_lenses_brand_biofinity)

Biofinity

Biomedics Contact Lenses (contact_lenses_brand_biomedics)

Biomedics

Clariti Contact Lenses (contact_lenses_brand_clairiti)

Clariti

Dailies Contact Lenses (contact_lenses_brand_Dailies)

Dailies

everclear Contact Lenses (contact_lenses_brand_everclear)

everclear

Freshlook Contact Lenses (contact_lenses_brand_freshlook)

Freshlook

MyDay Contact Lenses (contact_lenses_brand_myday)

MyDay

Proclear Contact Lenses (contact_lenses_brand_proclear)

Proclear

Precision Contact Lenses (contact_lenses_brand_precision)

Precision

Purevision Contact Lenses (contact_lenses_brand_purevision)

PureVision

SofLens Contact Lenses (contact_lenses_brand_soflens)

SofLens

Total

Contact Lens Brands (contact_lenses_brand)

Contact Lens Brands

Shop by wear

Daily Contact Lenses (contact_lenses_category_daily)

Daily Contact Lenses

Two Weekly Contact Lenses (contact_lenses_category_two_weekly)

Two Weekly Contact Lenses

Monthly Contact Lenses (contact_lenses_category_monthly)

Monthly Contact Lenses

Brand Equivalents

Boots Contact Lenses

 Boots

Specsavers Equivalent Contact Lenses

Specsavers | easyvision

Contact Lenses (contact_lenses)

Toric contact lenses for astigmatism (contact_lenses_type_toric)

Torics for Astigmatism

Coloured Contact Lenses (contact_lenses_type_colour)

Coloured Contact Lenses

Multifocal Contact Lenses (contact_lenses_type_multifocal)

Multifocal Contact Lenses

Silicone Hydrogel Contact Lenses (contact_lenses_type_silicon_hydrogel)

Silicone Hydrogel Lenses

Contact Lens Solutions (solutions)

Contact Lens Solutions

Eye Drops (eyecare_type_eyedrops)

Eye Drops

Best Sellers

everclear ELITE

1 Day Acuvue Moist

Dailies AquaComfort Plus

everclear ADM

Acuvue Oasys

1 Day Acuvue Moist For Astigmatism

header_left_side_navigation

What_are_silicone_hydrogel_contact_lenses_row_1

main_placement_1

What_are_silicone_hydrogel_contact_lenses_row_2

<div><p>This page is a guide to silicone hydrogel contact lenses, designed to answer any questions you may have about this type of contact lens, the benefits and the risks and whether it might be suitable for you.</p></div>

main_placement_2

What_are_silicone_hydrogel_contact_lenses_row_3

<div>
 <p>Silicone hydrogel contact lenses are a specially designed soft lens. Similar to standard hydrogel soft lenses, these are made of a plastic material, which goes hard when it has dried out but which actively absorbs water to become soft and pliable again.</p>
 <p>The chief function of silicone hydrogel contact lenses is that they enable up to five times more Oxygen to permeate through the lens to the cornea of the eye than standard soft lenses. This means they are ideal for those who wear their lenses for long periods of time, or who work under a range of conditions that aggravate the eye.</p>
 <p>A range of manufacturers produce silicone hydrogel lenses, but some of the most popular brands include <a href="/en-ie/brand/air-optix-contact-lenses">Air Optix Aqua</a> (Ciba Vision), Biofinity (CooperVision) and PureVision2 (Bausch &amp; Lomb).</p>
 <p><br>You can purchase silicone hydrogel contact lenses to correct both short-sightedness and long-sightedness; they are also available as multifocals and for the correction of astigmatism (toric lenses).</p>
</div>

What are silicone hydrogel contact lenses?

main_placement_3

What_are_silicone_hydrogel_contact_lenses_row_4

<div><p>Silicone hydrogel lenses are often mistakenly referred to as 'silicon' hydrogel. Silicon, however, is a common mineral found in substances such as dust and sand, and can be refined to produce parts for electrical equipment.</p><p>Silicone - the component used in silicone hydrogel lenses - is the name attributed to gel-like plastic materials which contain silicon as well as oxygen, carbon and other elements. The flexible properties of silicone make it ideal for use in gas permeable contact lenses, as well as other medical products such as implants and tubing. Although it is soft, it can also be used in producing rigid gas permeable lenses, helping to improve oxygen permeability of these lenses.</p></div>

'Silicon' or 'Silicone' hydrogel lenses?

main_placement_4

What_are_silicone_hydrogel_contact_lenses_row_5_BANNER

<div><p>Because all contact lenses sit on the eye, they all restrict the amount of oxygen that can reach the eye to some degree. However, if the amount of oxygen reaching the cornea is significantly low - a state referred to as hypoxia - many uncomfortable conditions can occur in the wearer. These include red eyes, swollen corneas and blurred vision; hypoxia can also increase the risk of developing an eye infection.</p><p>These eye problems became pronounced during the 1990s, when the numbers of people becoming dependent on wearing contact lenses in place of glasses rose. Eye infections were commonly associated with wearing contact lenses overnight and for days at a time. Silicone hydrogel lenses were designed to combat these problems, allowing the safe and comfortable wear of lenses for short and long periods.</p><p>An increased amount of oxygen to the eye is theoretically beneficial for all contact lens wearers. However, many people disregard their optician's instructions for proper lens wear and care. For example, in a study undertaken by Ciba Vision, one fifth of people who wear soft lenses were found to continue wearing them while sleeping, with two thirds of these users wearing lenses that are not suitable for wearing overnight.</p></div>

Silicone hydrogel lenses: benefits

main_placement_5

What_are_silicone_hydrogel_contact_lenses_row_6

<div><p>There have been some reports of people experiencing symptoms of an allergic reaction when wearing their silicone hydrogel lenses. These symptoms include dry and itchy eyes, lens discomfort, and redness around the eye. This is not a definitive sign of an allergic response, as these symptoms are also common with sensitivity to new lens care products or contact lens induced dry eye (CLIDE). Moreover, there has been no conclusive evidence across America or the UK that silicone hydrogel contact lenses can cause allergic reactions, or in any peer-reviewed medical journals of either country.</p><p>However, in some cases the increased silicone in silicone hydrogel lenses can reduce the amount of moisture on the surface of the eye, which causes dryness and itching. This does not occur with all wearers of silicone hydrogel lenses but may develop in those who have even minor pre-existing symptoms of dry eye, making the discomfort seem like an allergic response. However, specially formulated lens care solutions are available that can maintain silicone hydrogel lens hydration throughout the day.</p><p>Because more air is enabled to reach the eye by means of silicone hydrogel lenses, some people may also report an increased 'awareness' of their contacts. Many people do not notice their contacts precisely because the lack of Oxygen means the surface of the cornea becomes less sensitive. Therefore, when wearing gas permeable silicone hydrogel lenses, the corneal surface seems to maintain its normal level of sensitivity, allowing the wearer to feel the lens on their eye.</p><p>This increased sensitivity was researched in a study completed in 2010 and published in Investigative Ophthalmology &amp; Visual Science. The results were that those fitted with silicone hydrogel lenses, or refitted with them, reported increased sensitivity, as well as increased sensitivity amongst silicone hydrogel wearers when their lens care programs were altered.</p><p>Those behind the study have called for further research to be done on how eye surface sensitivity changes with long term usage of silicone hydrogel lenses. They have also suggested that more work can be done into whether corneal and conjunctiva sensitivity may affect the discomfort that wearers of all soft lenses experience towards the end of the day.</p></div>

Silicone hydrogel lenses: allergic responses

main_placement_6

What_are_silicone_hydrogel_contact_lenses_row_7

<div><p>There has been no clear-cut conclusion as to whether the risk of developing keratitis is reduced by wearing silicone hydrogel lenses. The British Journal of Ophthalmology reported on a UK hospital-based study, which found that those who wear silicone hydrogel lenses had a lower chance of developing severe keratitis (SK). However, there was also a higher risk of these wearers developing a non-severe form of keratitis (NSK).</p><p>Over the course of a year, the chances of less severe cases only affected 0.14 per cent of standard hydrogel wearers, but 0.56 per cent of silicone hydrogel lens wearers. Although the rate was higher amongst silicone hydrogel wearers, this is still significantly low - less than one per cent of cases.</p><p>In this study there were also no cases of the severe form of keratitis contracted by patients who used silicone hydrogel lenses on a daily basis; however, there were 0.064 per cent of cases with users who regularly used standard hydrogel lenses for daily wear.</p></div>

Silicone hydrogel lenses: keratitis

main_placement_7

What_are_silicone_hydrogel_contact_lenses_row_8

<div><p>It was found that, of the 10,000 patients in the study, those who wore their contacts overnight - in both groups of soft contact lenses - were at a higher risk of developing keratitis. In patients who wore standard hydrogel lenses for continuous periods of time, 0.48 per cent developed NSK, with 0.96 per cent contracting SK; while of those wearing silicone hydrogel contacts continuously, 0.99 per cent developed NSK and 0.20 per cent SK.</p><p>Therefore, the study revealed that wearing contact lenses while sleeping causes a significantly higher risk of developing a severe form of keratitis than wearing lenses while awake. However, the study's researchers suggested that for those who choose to wear contacts for continuous periods of time, silicone hydrogel lenses are recommended.</p><p>Although from this study silicone hydrogel lenses can be seen to increase the chances of developing non-severe keratitis, it must be pointed out that the study did not show whether those showing signs of NSK had been refitted with silicone hydrogel lenses after contracting a similar infection while wearing regular hydrogel lenses. In such instances, the infection could be caused by their standard hydrogel lenses.</p><p>Moreover, when this study was conducted, the only silicone hydrogel lenses available were those designed to be worn for monthly refitting, while standard hydrogel lenses were available for more regular replacement. Now, however, silicone hydrogel contact lenses are available in monthly, two-weekly and even daily disposable formats.</p></div>

main_placement_8

What_are_silicone_hydrogel_contact_lenses_row_9

<div>
 <p>For many opticians, the over-arching benefit of wearing silicone hydrogel contact lenses is the reduction in hypoxia-related symptoms (discomfort associated with a lack of oxygen reaching the cornea), caused by some hydrogel soft lenses. The result has been fewer cases of contact lens-related problems and severe keratitis, caused by wearing contacts continuously.</p>
 <p>It is also thought that, for many, the use of highly oxygen-permeable lenses allows them to wear their contacts for longer hours, without experiencing discomfort as they would with standard soft hydrogel lenses. The use of silicone hydrogel materials in these lenses also means that a larger variety of lens designs can be manufactured.</p>
 <p>However, everyone's eyes are different, and some people do report more 'awareness' of their lenses with silicone hydrogel contacts. There is even some research to suggest that silicone hydrogel lenses attract certain deposits more than regular hydrogel lenses. Some lens care products may also not be as effective on <a href="/en-ie/contact-lenses/silicone-hydrogel-contact-lenses">silicone hydrogel lenses</a>.</p>
 <p>Furthermore, in some instances silicone hydrogel lenses have been thought to be associated with a higher chance of developing inflammation of the cornea, as well as some other complications, although the reasons for this are as yet unclear.</p>
 <p>Some researchers also say that there is no improvement in end-of-day tiredness of eyes from wearing silicone hydrogel contact lenses, and, in America, the only FDA-approved contact lens for dry eyes in a standard hydrogel lens.</p>
 <p>However, as with every form of eyewear there are pros and cons. Therefore, Vision Direct advises that, before making any decisions, you should first consult your options and your requirements with your optician.</p>
</div>

How to know if silicone hydrogel lenses are right for you

main_placement_9

text-left

<div><p class="left">• everclear ELITE free contact lens trial<br/>• Silicone hydrogel contact lenses<br/>• Free eye test<br/>• Eye conditions explained</p></div>

main_placement_10

OUR QUALITY PROMISE

TAILORED  EYE CARE

TAILORED 
EYE CARE

PERSONAL STYLE SERVICE

PERSONAL 
STYLE SERVICE

FREE AFTERCARE, ALWAYS

FREE AFTERCARE, 
ALWAYS

FREE & GREEN SHIPPING

FREE & GREEN 
SHIPPING

footer_before_footer

Phone Support

<div>
 <p>Vision Direct</p>
 <p>51 Bracken Road, Sandyford, </p>
 <p>Dublin, D18 CV48</p>
 <p><br></p>
 <p><a href="/en-ie/c/info/cancellation-returns" aria-label="link">Returns and Refunds</a></p>
</div>

Our Postal Address

<div><p>Reach out via email to</p><p><a href="mailto:help@visiondirect.ie" data-show="new" aria-label="link">help@visiondirect.ie</a></p><p><br/></p><p><br/></p></div>

Email Support

footer_contact

footer_other_link_1_about

About us

footer_other_link_2_blog

footer_other_link_3_terms

Terms & Conditions

footer_other_link_4_privacy policy

Privacy Policy

footer_other_link_5_cookie policy

Cookie Policy

footer_other_link_6_affiliates

Affiliates

footer_other_links

This piece outlines what silicone hydrogel contact lenses are and examines the pros and cons of wearing them. Find out whether silicone hydrogel lenses are for you and if they are available at your prescription, wearing pattern and budget.

What are silicone hydrogel contact lenses? | Vision Direct

Shop <PRODUCT_NAME> accessories in <COLOR>. Discover more on Clearly Online.

Shop <PRODUCT_NAME> electronics in <COLOR>. Discover more on Clearly Store Online.

Shop <PRODUCT_NAME> eyeglasses in <COLOR>. Discover more on Clearly Store Online.

Shop <PRODUCT_NAME> sunglasses in <COLOR>. Discover more on Clearly Store Online.

<PRODUCT_NAME> Accessories in <COLOR> | VisionDirect

<PRODUCT_NAME> Electronics in <COLOR> | VisionDirect

<PRODUCT_NAME> Eyeglasses in <COLOR> | VisionDirect

<PRODUCT_NAME> Sunglasses in <COLOR> | VisionDirect

Compra gafas de vista <PRODUCT_NAME> en <COLOR>. Descubre más en Clearly Store Online.

Compra gafas de sol <PRODUCT_NAME> en <COLOR>. Descubre más en Clearly Store Online.

<PRODUCT_NAME> Gafas de Vista | VisionDirect

<PRODUCT_NAME> Gafas de Sol | VisionDirect

Achetez des lunettes de vue <PRODUCT_NAME> en <COLOR>. Découvrez-en plus sur la boutique Clearly en ligne.

Achetez des lunettes de soleil <PRODUCT_NAME> en <COLOR>. Découvrez-en plus sur la boutique Clearly en ligne.

<PRODUCT_NAME> Lunettes de Vue | VisionDirect

<PRODUCT_NAME> Lunettes de Soleil | VisionDirect

Acquista gli occhiali da vista <PRODUCT_NAME> in <COLOR>. Scopri di più su Clearly Store Online.

Acquista gli occhiali da sole <PRODUCT_NAME> in <COLOR>. Scopri di più su Clearly Store Online.

<PRODUCT_NAME> Occhiali da Vista | VisionDirect

<PRODUCT_NAME> Occhiali da Sole | VisionDirect

Reorder in 3 clicks

365-day guarantee

Speedy Delivery

Reorder in 3 clicks

365-day guarantee

Speedy Delivery

Reorder in 3 clicks

365-day guarantee

Speedy Delivery

Reorder in 3 clicks

365-day guarantee

Speedy Delivery

What are silicone hydrogel contact lenses?

What are silicone hydrogel contact lenses?

Silicone hydrogel lenses: keratitis

Related links