A new generation of “super-permeable” contact lenses can transmit unprecedented amounts of oxygen to your cornea and, in some cases, enable 30 consecutive days of wear without removal.
Silicone hydrogel contact lenses represent a breakthrough over traditional hydrogel soft contact lenses, because silicone lets so much oxygen (essential for a healthy cornea) pass through the lens. “We’re talking about lenses that breathe six to seven times more oxygen than previous lenses.
Silicone is oxygen permeable. So silicone hydrogel lenses use both their water and polymer content to transmit oxygen to the eye.
The benefits to wearers include comfort and convenience:
Silicone hydrogel contact lenses contain less water than traditional hydrogel lenses. As a result, they aren’t as prone to dehydration while you’re wearing them. For some people who wear their lenses for long days, this can mean better end-of-day comfort.
Silicone hydrogels also have made 30-day contact lens wear – sometimes called “continuous wear” – available once again.