If you're thinking about switching up your eye care routine or are new to contact lens wear, one of the first questions you'll come across is: hard contact lenses or soft contact lenses? Both types of contact lenses have their perks (and quirks), but the best option depends on your lifestyle, prescription, and how your eyes behave on a typical Tuesday. Before you jump into ordering contact lenses online, let’s break it down.
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Hard contact lenses vs soft contact lenses: which one’s right for you?
What are hard contact lenses?
Hard contact lenses, officially called rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses, are made from durable materials that allow oxygen to pass through to the cornea. They’re smaller than soft lenses and rest directly on the surface of the eye.
You might also hear about:
- PMMA lenses (polymethyl methacrylate): an older version with low oxygen permeability. Not used as much these days.
- RGP lenses: today’s go-to for sharper vision and better eye health.
They do take some getting used to. Expect an adaptation period, but once your eyes adjust, the vision correction is top notch.
What are soft contact lenses?
Soft contact lenses are the crowd favourite, and for good reason. They’re made from flexible plastic materials like hydrogel and silicone hydrogel, which mould to your eyes and offer instant comfort.
There are a few popular types of soft lenses:
- Daily disposable lenses: hygienic, fuss-free and great for occasional wearers
- Monthly lenses: affordable and reliable with proper care
- Multifocal lenses: designed for presbyopia
- Toric lenses: to correct astigmatism
They’re breathable, comfortable and a solid pick if you’ve got dry eyes, mild myopia or refractive errors.
Hard vs soft lenses: the main differences
| Feature | Hard lenses (RGP) | Soft lenses |
| Material | Firm (gas permeable) | Soft, flexible |
| Oxygen flow | High (in modern versions) | High (especially silicone hydrogel) |
| Comfort | Takes time to adjust | Comfy from day one |
| Vision clarity | Excellent (especially for astigmatism, keratoconus) | Slightly less crisp for some conditions |
| Durability | Long-lasting (1 to 2 years) | Shorter lifespan (daily to monthly) |
| Build-up risk | Lower | Higher risk of lipid or protein build-up |
| Cost | Higher upfront, but lasts longer | Lower initial cost, replaced more often |
| Adaptation time | Longer | Minimal |
Which contact lens is best for your vision needs?
It really comes down to how and when you wear contact lenses, plus what’s going on with your cornea, retina or tear ducts.
Choose hard contact lenses if:
- You need sharper vision due to keratoconus or high astigmatism
- You've had corneal surgery or need precision for certain vision problems
- You want something long-lasting and don’t mind a little patience
Choose soft lenses if:
- You’ve got sensitive eyes or dry eyes
- You’re after all-day comfort with minimal fuss
- You need multifocal or toric options for presbyopia or mild astigmatism
- You prefer disposable contact lenses or extended wear choices
Top tip: Your optometrist or eye doctor can help you decide the best route after an eye exam, especially if you're trying a new type of lens.
Comfort or clarity?
When it comes to the different types of contact lenses, there’s no one-size-fits-all. Hard lenses can offer brilliant clarity for complex prescriptions, while soft contact lenses deliver all-day comfort and flexibility for everyday life. Whether you’re just starting out or considering a switch, always speak to your eye care provider before making a change. And whatever you choose remember: clear, comfy vision is just a lens away. If soft contact lenses are the one for you, then we’re right here with our competitively priced contact lenses, excellent customer support, and speedy next day delivery, which is free on orders over £59.
