Comparison of Firm and Soft Contacts
| FIRM | SOFT | |
| Acuity (Sight/Clear Vision) |
Generally excellent. | As good as glasses to fair. |
| Comfort | Adaptation necessary, Mild sensations. |
Virtually no sensation. |
| Light Sensitive | Mild. | No undue sensitivity. |
| Adaptation | About 15 days. Wearing time critical. |
About a week. Wearing time lenient. |
| Night Vision | Often vulnerable to reflections. | Good |
| Prescription Changes | Tends to hold prescription | Prescription may change. |
| Material Life | Years. |
Daily wear about 2 years. Extended wear 6 months. Disposable daily wear 2 weeks. Disposable extended wear 1 week. |
| Occupations | May pop out in contact sports. Some restrictions with dust and fumes. |
Not ideal to be worn where there are sprays in air (auto body shops, beauty shops, etc.). Except for 1 Day Acuvue Lenses. Good for sports. |
| Cleaning | Simple. |
Some substances may be difficult to remove. |
| Falling Out | Possible. | Very improbable. |
| Sliding Off Cornea | Possible. | Very improbable. |
| Dust & Dirt | Can get under lens and irritate eye. | Rarely gets under lens. |
| Climate | No significant difference. | May be less comfortable in dry climates. |
| Tints | Blue |
Visible tinting Enhance tinting Change color of eyes Dramatic tinting |
| Bifocals & Multifocals | Available in various types. | Available in various types. |
