The contact lens field is one of the most rapidly changing areas in ophthalmology. The advances in optical science and the development of new plastic and acrylic materials has resulted in an explosion in the variety of contact lenses patients may choose from to correct their vision disorders. Oxygen reaches the cornea only when you blink. Gas-permeable lenses made from plastic and silicone to allow the transmission of oxygen through the lens to the cornea. Soft contact lenses made from a plastic that incorporates water and allows oxygen to pass through the lens to the cornea.
Soft contacts are just what the name implies - softer, more flexible and therefore more comfortable.
It should be noted that contact lenses have some safety risks, and all soft contact lenses develop deposits. These deposits continue to build the longer a soft contact is worn. The best way to avoid this build up is to insert a fresh lens every two weeks when using extended wear contact lenses or disposable contact lenses. Extended wear contact lenses are typically very comfortable and offer the wearer clear vision. These lenses are inherently safer because they are not kept in the eye long enough to develop extensive deposit formation.