soft contact lens

optometry

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Last updated

July 17, 2026

Quick Summary

A soft contact lens is a thin, artificial lens worn on the eye's surface to correct vision problems. Introduced in the 1970s, these lenses are made from a flexible, water-absorbing plastic gel that allows oxygen to reach the eye, making them comfortable for extended wear. While effective for nearsightedness and other visual defects, they are less adept at correcting astigmatism compared to rigid lenses.

Optometry is the health-care field focused on examining eyes for vision defects and diagnosing and treating these conditions. Optometrists provide eyeglasses and contact lenses, detect eye disorders like glaucoma, and offer guidance on eye care. They are distinct from ophthalmologists, who are medical doctors specializing in eye diseases and surgery.

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contact lens
Soft contact lenses are usually comfortable because they allow oxygen to penetrate to the eye’s surface. Their large size makes them more difficult to lose than hard lenses. Their delicacy, however, makes them more subject to damage, and, as with all contact lenses, they require…
Read More
Soft contact lenses are usually comfortable because they allow oxygen to penetrate to the eye’s surface. Their large size makes them more difficult to lose than hard lenses. Their delicacy, however, makes them more subject to damage, and, as with all contact lenses, they require…
Read More