A resounding NO would be the easiest way to answer this common misconception. The analogy I use most frequently is comparing contact lens technology to that of computers. Every 3-6 months something healthier, crisper, and/or more breathable comes out. It is a wonderful time in the contact lens industry to celebrate these new state of the art medical devices.
What makes one lens better than another? There are many different factors that go into choosing what is the best lens for a particular patient. The comfort and feel of the lens is very important. The crispness and clarity of the lens optical system is critical as well. However, the single most vital factor, when choosing the appropriate lens for our patients, is health. If the eye is not healthy, then it does not matter how comfortable the lens feels or how well you can see. If the health of the eye is not the paramount consideration in a contact lens fit, your eyes can be at serious health, vision and comfort risks.
The newest generation of contact lenses have been approved by the FDA. Over the past few years each of the four major contact lens manufacturers have come out with their version the ‘silicone hydrogel’ material. We have learned how this material helps to bring 3x, 4x, and even 6 times more oxygen to the eye then our ‘standard’ contact lenses. It is almost like driving a car with a seat belt and an airbag or one without. Which would you rather be in?