Soft contact lenses are made of a soft polymer-plastic material combined with water, which allows oxygen to pass through the contact lens material and increases comfort. Soft contact lenses are more comfortable than rigid gas permeable contact lenses when first inserted into the eye.
According to WebMD, many soft contact lenses are disposable and can be thrown away after a short
period of use. Being able to have a fresh pair of soft contact lenses means
less chance of infection, less cleaning, and more comfort, especially for
people whose eyes naturally produce more protein that clouds contact lenses.
Other soft contact lenses are worn on a yearly basis and are not
disposable.
Many soft contact lenses also provide UV protection.
While most people choose soft contact lenses because of their benefits, there are also some disadvantages. Soft contact lenses easily absorb pollutants like lotion or soap from your hands, which can irritate your eyes. Soft contact lenses are also more fragile than hard contact lenses and can rip or tear easily.
Contact lens care is easier than ever. One-bottle care systems and disposable contact lenses mean that proper lens care involves much less time, expense and trouble than it did years ago.