Many people feel that the soft, hydrophilic plastic lenses are more comfortable to wear than the older, harder types, and soft lenses can be worn for longer periods of time. Soft lenses, however, do require special handling and care because these lenses must be cleaned and must often be soaked in special enzyme solutions. Daily disposable soft lenses are now available. Lenses should not be worn when the eye is inflamed, even with the mild conjunctivitis that occurs with a cold. The lenses must be removed and sterilized daily.
Lenses can also cause an allergic reaction.