A guide to the correct use and care of contact lenses, ensuring you wear them comfortably and healthily!
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This section on contact lens eye care knowledge provides in-depth explanations of the differences between silicone hydrogel and hydrogel, solutions for dry eyes when wearing contact lenses, and a complete tutorial for beginners wearing contact lenses for the first time.
What's the difference between silicone hydrogel and hydrogel contact lenses?
Contact lenses are mainly made of two materials: traditional hydrogel and the new generation silicone hydrogel. The biggest difference lies in their oxygen permeability, which directly affects the comfort and eye health during long-term wear.
| Comparison items | Hydrogel | Silicon hydrogel |
|---|---|---|
| Oxygen permeability (Dk/t) | Lower (approximately 20–40) | Extremely high (approximately 100–150 and above) |
| Moisture content | 55–70% | 38–45% |
| advantage | Comfortable to wear for the first time, and relatively inexpensive. | High oxygen permeability, less eye dryness, suitable for long-term wear |
| shortcoming | Prolonged use can cause dry eyes and corneal hypoxia. | The price is relatively high, and it takes time to get used to it initially. |
| Suitable for | Beginners, short-term wear | Office workers and people prone to dry eyes |
💡 Recommendation: If you wear contact lenses for more than 8 hours a day or are prone to dry eyes, you should give priority to silicone hydrogel contact lenses (such as Acuvue Oasys and Air Optix), but you should ultimately consult an ophthalmologist for a proper prescription.
👉 Further Reading: Recommendations for Silicone Hydrogel Contact Lenses
Is it okay to have dry eyes when wearing contact lenses? 5 practical solutions.
Dry eyes are a common problem among Hong Kong people, usually caused by air-conditioned environments, prolonged screen time, or unsuitable lenses.
- Choose the right lenses: Switch to silicone hydrogel or low-water-content lenses to reduce the amount of moisture drawn from your eyes.
- When using artificial tears: Choose preservative-free, contact lens-compatible options and use every 4 hours.
- Control wearing time: It is not recommended to wear it for more than 8–10 hours per day.
- Improve your lifestyle habits: Use the 20-20-20 rule, blink more often, and maintain air humidity.
- Clean your lenses properly to avoid protein buildup that can cause irritation and dryness.
⚠️ If dryness persists or redness, swelling, or stinging occurs, stop wearing the product immediately and consult an ophthalmologist.
👉 Recommended option: Daily disposable contact lenses (for those with dry eyes)
Complete tutorial for beginners wearing contact lenses for the first time.
Preparation before wearing
- Wash your hands with neutral soap and dry them.
- Check the lens orientation (bowl-shaped is the front).
- Always wear the same eye first.
Wearing steps
- Place the lens on the tip of your index finger.
- Pull your upper and lower eyelids open.
- Gently place the lens in the center of your eyeball.
- Blink slowly to allow the lens to take shape.
Remove the lenses
- Look upwards and move the lens to the white of your eye.
- Gently pinch and remove with your thumb and forefinger.
- Daily disposables are for immediate disposal; non-daily disposables require cleaning and storage.
Tip for beginners: It may take 10-20 minutes the first time, but once you get the hang of it, it will only take 1 minute. Don't be impatient.