What's the difference between hard and soft contacts (as simple as the answer may sound)?

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nephthys59

I've heard things about hard and soft contacts, but I'm not really sure if one works better than the other. Some people say that soft contacts are comfortable, but they don't correct your vision completely. Then I heard that hard contacts work well, but they're kind of uncomfortable. Which one would be better?

Answer
The soft contacts. I use silicone hydrogel. The ones by O2Optix, and I can see perfectly with them. They're much more comfortable than the hard one's since they breathe, and they suit the eye. They're like suction cups kind of, so they stay in easier. The hard ones are glass permeable. These are said to restrict the eye from breathing, and can be uncomfortable(not to mention harder to clean). I'd go with the silicone ones.

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Why do soft drinks taste different in different countries?

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Kimberly H

I recently returned from a fantastic Caribbean cruise and I noticed that all of the major soft drink labels (Pepsi, Coke, etc) all tasted different in the different islands that I visited. Interestingly, my best friend (who came from Europe) told me the same thing from the countries over there.

So, why do the soft drinks taste differently even though they are from the same company? Anyone know?

Answer
I work as a tech in a lab for a mayor soft drink company - and I've tasted most soft drink products from around the world. You're right - no two countries have the same flavor.

Here's how it works:

Major soft drink companies, like Pepsi or Coke, sell their concentrate of the drink to different corporate franchises around the world. The final ingredients (which can include, but are not limited to: water and sugar) are added locally, once the concentrate arrives at the Bottling Plant. So, there are many things at play here - the taste of the drink can vary by the type of sugar they use or the type of water processing that the plant provides.

Think of a pancake mix. They sell you the powder and you add water. The mayor soft drink corporations sell the "powder" (which is the concentrate) and the plants add the final igredients.

Some plants, for example, use brown sugar in their mix. Others use other types of sweeteners, like corn syrup or caramel. Some plants use real fruit juice in their orange, lemon or grape soft drinks. There are many, many ways to create the same drink. Just like a pancake mix would taste different if you added milk, instead of water.

So, there you go. What you find common in your current soft drink could (to not say "will") taste differently to someone that doesn't live where you do. Why? Well, you're used to the ingredients used by your local plant - and they might not be.

Hope I helped!

Why do soft drinks taste different in different countries?