When are soft lenses generally contraindicated?

Soft lenses are generally contraindicated for patients with irregular corneal astigmatism because this condition leads to an uneven corneal surface, resulting in unpredictable optics and poor visual acuity with standard soft lenses. Unlike rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses, which can provide improved vision by aligning with the irregularities of the cornea, soft lenses typically conform to the surface of the eye without providing the necessary visual correction. As a result, patients with irregular astigmatism often find their vision compromised when using soft lenses.

In contrast, patients with dry eyes can sometimes wear soft lenses if they are made from highly breathable materials and are specifically designed for dry eye conditions. Regular corneal astigmatism can usually be adequately corrected with soft toric lenses, and mild allergic conjunctivitis does not automatically contraindicate the use of soft lenses; rather, appropriate lens care and management can often allow patients to wear them comfortably.