Soft contact lenses are made from a plastic hydrogel polymer, hydroxyethylmethacrylate (HEMA) and have a high water content. Soft contact lenses tend to be more comfortable than hard lenses, but hard lenses usually provide sharper vision. Soft contact lenses have a higher risk of corneal ulcer than rigid lenses, but all lenses have some risk. Disposable contact lenses worn extended wear were found to have a much higher risk of corneal ulcer than any other type of lens, for reasons that are not fully understood.

Soft contact lenses are made from hydrophilic plastics that contain water. In fact they may contain anywhere from 30-75% water depending on what type of wearing schedule they are designed for. 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. Soft contact lenses, are made from gel-like plastics, are all gas permeable, and come in many different levels of water-content, which allows different levels of oxygen to reach the cornea. Most people choose soft lenses over hard contact lenses because they are generally more comfortable.

Soft contact lenses come in a wider variety of replacement schedules. Soft contact lenses also benefit from wet conditions since the blotting procedure introduces significant errors. An instrument with a high degree of accuracy is needed to compensate for the reduced sensitivity due to the small refractive index difference between the lens and saline. Soft contact lenses are lenses made of hydrophilic (water-loving) plastics that absorb liquids. When these materials soak up liquids, they become soft and mold to fit the eyeball.

Disposable soft contact lenses are to be worn temporarily, usually for one day at a time, and then thrown away. These lenses are easier to take care of as they usually do not require cleaning. Disposable lenses are sometimes recommended for people with allergies and for those who tend to form deposits on their lenses.

Rigid lenses generally require a somewhat longer adjustment period. Rigid lenses are a very good option as well, but take some getting used to. Many parents get concerned about this adaptation time, and don't want to consider rigid lenses, but they provide great vision, are cheaper, and healthy. Rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses are made of a non-absorbent material that is oxygen permeable. RGP lenses are durable and easy to handle like hard contact lenses, but more comfortable to wear, though usually not as comfortable as soft contact lenses.

Rigid gas permeable lenses, or hard contact lenses, are more rigid than soft contact lenses and therefore more durable. Unlike older versions of hard contact lenses, rigid gas permeable lenses are made with silicone polymers, allowing oxygen to circulate to the cornea of the eye. Rigid and soft bifocal and multifocal contact lenses can also be successful, but the fitting procedure is time-consuming because precise alignment is essential.