A soft contact lens is a flexible, soft, thin, oxygen permeable plastic material which can be produced in an ophthalmic prescription which allows for the correction of myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), distance and near vision in the form of a multifocal (bifocal), and for the correction of astigmatism. Soft contact lenses have different chemical agents such as plastic, water, silicone, wetting agents, and surface coatings which in combination with each other provide comfort, quality of vision, durability, deposit resistance, oxygen transmission, and wettability to each lens.
Soft contact lenses are available for several types of contact lens wearing schedules, all of which are approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). Soft contact lenses are available as single use daily wear disposable, 2 week daily wear disposable, and 1 month daily wear disposable lenses.
The Eye and Vision Center can prescribe conventional, commercially available soft contact lenses as well as custom designed and manufactured lenses for patients whose needs cannot be met with standard lenses.