11 Facts About RGP Contact Lenses

What Are Rigid Gas Permeable Contact Lenses?

At this point, all that you really know about RGP contact lenses is that they are different from soft contact lenses. It’s important to know what these contact lenses actually are. RGP contact lenses are made of a special, hard plastic that permits oxygen to pass through the lens material into the eye. This helps the cornea, the dome-shaped part in the front of the eye, breathe better. 

While soft contacts completely cover the cornea and even some of the sclera, the outer white part of the eye, RGP lenses only cover most of the cornea. Today's RGP lenses have certain advantages when you compare them to soft contact lenses. RGP contacts might be more comfortable and make your vision sharper.

Facts About RGP Lenses You Might Not Know

1. RGP contact lenses have been around since the late 1980s. While these contacts are made with ridged plastic, they aren't the same as the old hard contacts made from PMMA; these aren’t used as much anymore.

2. RGP lenses are the most common type of contact lenses used to treat keratoconus. It’s a condition that causes the cornea to be dome-shaped and can cause vision problems. RPG contacts are better at retaining their shape and position in the eye than soft contact lenses, which makes them a better option if you’re suffering from keratoconus.

3. RGP lenses may correct astigmatism more effectively than soft contact lenses. Astigmatism is when the cornea is irregularly shaped and needs correction through contact lenses or glasses. Those with a higher amount of astigmatism may benefit the most from these lenses because of their ridged nature.

4. RGP lenses might be more effective than soft contacts for correcting near and distance vision. This includes presbyopia, an age-related change to near vision.

5. RGP lenses are tailored to your specific needs. EyeCare Associates measures your cornea and then prescribes contacts with the exact size and corrections that suit your needs.

6. You need to wear RGP lenses regularly to maintain them. To properly adapt to RGP contact lenses, you must wear them daily. If you stop wearing them for an extended period, you will be more aware of the lenses on your eyes and you'll have to re-adapt.

7. RGP contact lenses can take some time to get used to. It can take a few weeks before you feel comfortable wearing them all day. One of the reasons for discomfort is that you may feel them in your eye when you blink. You can get used to them gradually by wearing them for just a couple of hours each day until you adjust. This adjustment period is a common reason RGP lenses are prescribed less than soft contact lenses.

8. Many people find RGP lenses more comfortable than soft contact lenses. This is because they're less likely to accumulate protein deposits from your tear film.

9. A hybrid contact lens is available that combines the technology from RGP lenses and soft contacts. This may appeal to those who want the sharper vision that RGP lenses offer, and the comfort associated with soft contact lenses.

10. RGP contact lenses can last for a year or longer if you care for them properly. They need to be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before getting stored. The durable material also helps prevent tearing and scratching.

11. Over a lifetime, maintaining RGP lenses is less expensive than using and caring for soft contacts.