The Evolution and Future Potential of General Soft Contact Lenses

Abstract

In recent years, soft contact lenses (SCLs) have evolved remarkably in terms of materials and optical design. Use of silicone hydrogel SCLs and daily disposable SCLs has increased worldwide, and the same trend is apparent in Japan, the second largest market in the world. However, most prescriptions in Japan are still single vision SCLs, and there are fewer prescriptions of toric and multifocal SCLs than the global average. This suggests a need to understand the characteristics of SCLs, which are becoming increasingly diverse, to ensure appropriate prescription of these contact lenses.