New to the world of contact lenses and wondering how on earth these tiny, thin discs can actually transform your vision? Well, contacts are not only a super-convenient alternative to glasses – they’re a marvel of modern optics, designed to fit snugly on the eye and focus light onto the retina, giving you clear, sharp vision.
Let’s break down how contact lenses work, what they’re made of and why daysoft daily disposable contact lenses are a great choice for both your vision and eye health.
How do contact lenses correct vision?
At the heart of every contact lens is its ability to correct vision by focusing light onto the retina, the part of the eye that converts light into signals that the brain interprets as images. Much like glasses, contact lenses help adjust the way light enters your eye, compensating for refractive errors like:
- myopia: near- or short-sightedness
- hyperopia: far- or long-sightedness
- astigmatism: blurred or distorted vision because of an irregularly shaped cornea.
But unlike glasses, which sit a short distance away from the eyes, contact lenses rest directly on the cornea (the clear, front surface of the eye), offering a wider field of vision and a more natural look – win-win.
The eye and light: a quick refresher
To better understand how contact lenses work, let’s take a closer look at how the eye processes light.
- When light enters your eye, it first passes through the cornea, then through the pupil and finally reaches the lens.
- From there, the light is bent, or refracted, so it can focus precisely onto the retina.
- However, if you have a refractive error – such as being near-sighted or far-sighted – light doesn’t focus perfectly on the retina. Instead, it lands in front of or behind the retina, causing blurred vision.
This is where contact lenses come in. They’re specifically designed to redirect light so it hits the retina at the correct angle, giving you clear vision. Whether you’re reading a book or gazing off into the distance, contact lenses adjust the path of light to compensate for your eye’s natural refractive error, ensuring everything looks sharp and focused.
What are contact lenses made of?
One of the most common questions new contact lens wearers have is: what are contact lenses made of? The answer depends on the type of lens you’re using, but in general, modern contact lenses are made from soft, flexible materials that are safe and comfortable for your eyes. The two main categories of contact lenses are soft lenses and rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses.
1. Soft lenses
Soft contact lenses are the most popular choice due to their comfort and flexibility. daysoft lenses, only ever available as daily disposable for the safest wear, offer a convenient fit for different lifestyles.
daysoft lenses are 58% water and made of a flexible hydrogel material, which means they’re super-comfy to wear, as well as keeping your eyes hydrated and fresh. The water content in the lenses allows oxygen to pass through to the cornea – essential for keeping your eyes healthy.
Silicone hydrogel lenses are often sold on the premise that they allow more oxygen to reach the eye compared with conventional hydrogel lenses, and as a consequence are much better for eye health. However, the amount of oxygen ultimately consumed by the eye is exactly the same as with hydrogel lenses, like daysoft’s. Check out our blog on why dailies are the safest option.
2. Rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses
RGP lenses are made from durable plastic materials that allow oxygen to reach the eye while maintaining their shape on the cornea. Although they’re less flexible than soft lenses, RGP lenses can provide clearer, crisper vision for certain eye conditions like astigmatism or keratoconus (a non-inflammatory eye condition).
They are typically more rigid and take longer to adjust to, but they last longer and can offer superior optical clarity for those with more complex vision needs. Wondering who can wear contact lenses or if contact lenses work for you? Learn more in this article.
How are contact lenses designed to fit?
Contact lenses are designed to fit the natural curvature of your eye. When you visit an optometrist, they’ll take detailed measurements of your eye’s shape and size to determine the perfect lens fit for you.
A well-fitting lens is crucial for both comfort and vision correction. If the lens is too tight, it could restrict oxygen flow to the cornea; if it’s too loose, it may shift around on the eye, causing discomfort or blurred vision.
The design of modern contact lenses allows for smooth movement with every blink, ensuring they remain comfortable throughout the day. Soft lenses, in particular, are designed to conform to the eye’s surface, creating a secure fit that reduces irritation and dryness.
daysoft’s Soft-Edge technology means that, unlike the conventional contact lens shape with a bevelled edge, daysoft lenses have a flat, continuous edge. This allows your eyelids to glide smoothly over the lenses when wearing them.
Why use daily disposable contact lenses?
daysoft’s daily disposable contact lenses offer a range of benefits that make them an ideal choice for both new and experienced contact lens wearers. Here’s how:
1. They’re super-convenient
Daily disposable lenses are designed to be worn once and then thrown away at the end of the day. This means no need for cleaning, storage or maintenance – just a fresh pair of lenses each morning.
Dailies are perfect for busy people who don’t want to deal with the hassle of cleaning and disinfecting their lenses every day.
2. They’re safe
Since daily disposables are discarded after a single use, there’s less risk of dirt, bacteria, or protein deposits building up on the lenses, which can happen with longer-wear lenses.
This significantly reduces the chances of eye infections or irritations, making daily disposables the healthiest option for your eyes.
3. They’re uber-comfortable
Wearing a fresh pair of lenses every day ensures that your eyes stay comfortable throughout the day.
Unlike monthly or bi-weekly lenses, which may become dry or uncomfortable over time, daily disposables are consistently soft, hydrated, and comfortable from the moment you put them in. Read about why we’re the most comfortable option.
4. They’re affordable
With daysoft, your eyes get all the oxygen they need, with a proven, comfortable contact lens material, for a fraction of the price.
From just 26p per lens, you can enjoy clear focus and exceptional comfort every day of the week. Here’s why we provide the best-value daily disposable contact lenses.
5. They’re kind to the planet
With daysoft’s commitment to sustainability, you can feel good about using eco-friendly packaging and a company that takes environmental impact seriously. We’re the environmentally friendly choice – read why.
Ready to see the world in a new way?
Understanding how contact lenses work can help demystify the process of choosing the right option for your eyes. By focusing light onto the retina, contact lenses correct refractive errors and provide clear, sharp vision without the need for glasses.
Whether you opt for soft lenses or rigid gas permeable lenses, the key is finding a solution that fits your needs and lifestyle.
If you’re new to contact lenses or considering making the switch from glasses, daily disposable lenses from daysoft offer a convenient, hygienic and comfortable solution. With the added benefit of affordability, daysoft makes it easier than ever to enjoy clear vision without the hassle.
Give daily disposable lenses a try and experience the freedom and clarity they bring to your everyday life.
