What is an important difference between soft and rigid contact lenses?

The distinction in comfortability between soft and rigid contact lenses is significant due to the materials and design involved. Soft lenses are made from flexible plastics that allow them to conform to the shape of the eye, making them generally more comfortable for wearers, especially for extended periods. They tend to cover a larger area of the eye and allow for more oxygen permeability, which contributes to a more comfortable experience.

In contrast, rigid gas-permeable (RGP) lenses, while offering excellent vision correction, may initially feel less comfortable because they are more rigid and may take longer to adjust to. This difference in comfort is crucial for users when choosing what type of contact lenses to wear on a daily basis. The comfort factor can influence not just user preference but also the duration for which lenses can be worn without discomfort, making it a key consideration for users.

The other aspects such as thickness, cost, and durability have their own distinct considerations but do not directly correlate with the fundamental experience of comfort during wear, which is why comfortability is highlighted as an important difference between the two types of contact lenses.