Silicone hydrogel has emerged as a next-generation contact lens material, offering clear advantages over traditional hydrogel. However, many brands misleadingly market products with minimal silicone content as “silicone hydrogel.” Here’s how to distinguish authentic silicone hydrogel lenses.
The most direct method is checking the oxygen permeability (DK/t value). Legitimate manufacturers must disclose this metric on product packaging and certifications. True silicone hydrogel lenses typically exceed DK/t 80, with premium variants reaching 100+, while standard hydrogel lenses average DK/t 20 due to reliance on water content (usually 40%-60%) for oxygen transmission.
Additionally, silicone hydrogel currently isn’t suitable for long-term lenses (annual/bi-annual). Authentic options are limited to daily or monthly disposables. Be wary of brands promoting “non-ionic materials” as high-oxygen alternatives—these remain conventional hydrogel variants with unremarkable permeability.