Material swelling capacity

Material swelling is the ability of a material to soak up a certain amount of water. This feature is very important, especially for hydrogel contact lenses. Water contained in the hydrogel lens is important for the transfer of oxygen through the material to the cornea of the eye. Material swelling may occur if lens care is done incorrectly, for example by replacing one contact lens solution for another. These incorrectly disinfected contact lenses may irritate the eye and can cause health complications. Never use water for cleaning or storing contact lenses, use only proper contact lens solution to avoid health complications.