Soft contact lenses are flexible plastic lenses which absorb water in the eyes and become soft and hence are also known as hydrophilic. Soft contact lenses are made of plastic hydro gel polymer that consists of thirty-five percent to seventy-five per cent water.

Soft contact lenses fit perfectly on the eye balls and are not felt by the user. They are used to correct vision and are better than rigid lenses because they fit exactly on the eye balls. Soft contact lenses are used to correct near sightedness or far sightedness and also problems related to bifocal vision.

It is also possible to have a specialized type of soft contact lenses to reshape the cornea while wearing them during night time. But the draw back is, they have to be worn compulsorily every night, to get a good vision the next day. Since soft contact lenses blend well on the eye balls, the chances of dust particles entering the eyes are minimum.

Soft contact lenses are made up of a special kind of material to retain the moisture of the eyes and make the surface of the contact lens stay wet. The main advantage of soft contact lenses over their other counter parts is that, they allow free flow of oxygen and are permeable thus maintaining healthy eyes.

Though disposable, soft contact lenses are a little expensive, but they are preferred because they alleviate the need to clean the lenses and store them in a contact lens solution, specifically manufactured for this purpose. Even in soft contact lenses colored lenses are available, which serve aesthetic purposes .When disposable contact lenses are used, the user has the facility of wearing them intermittently like week end or occasions. There are extended wear soft contact lenses which are worn overnight for one week and replaced every one to two weeks. But they have to be disposed in the prescribed time; otherwise it would be an invitation to potential disaster.

The most common problems occurring for the wearer of soft contact lenses can be irritation of eyes and blurred vision. These inconveniences should be evaluated in the initial stages. Upon removal of the contact lenses, if the blurred vision lasts for hours, then the medical practitioner should be consulted immediately.

The size of the soft contact lenses can vary from 13 to 14.50 mm and as they are thinner, they are almost weightless and the wearer will barely feel the presence of the soft contact lenses. Soft contact lenses tend to absorb the many kinds of pollutants like lotion or soap which may cause irritation to the eyes and are prone to be torn off. Nevertheless, it is advisable to consult the eye specialist before choosing the type of soft contact lenses.