While soft contact lenses are more common, a second, lesser-known brand of contact lens materials exists: rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses, sometimes known as oxygen permeable lenses.
Actually, RGP lenses involve newer technology than soft contacts, which last longer, are often more effective in improving eyesight, and provide increased resilience. Further GP lenses can also be less expensive in the long run than soft lenses. Of course, you need to first consult with your optometrist to determine if hard lenses suit your lifestyle. Our optometry office can assist you in ascertaining if hard lenses are right for you.
Because a GP is made of inflexible material, it retains its form well when you blink, which can provide sharper vision than the average soft lens. Furthermore RGPs are particularly long-lasting. Though they can crack if stepped on, they don’t easily rip like soft lenses. Further, because they consist of substances that don't contain water, proteins and lipids from your tears won't stick to RGPs as easily as they do to soft lenses. Those of you who are especially fussy about quality of vision will most likely choose GPs.
RGPs are also sometimes preferred for people that have certain conditions such as astigmatism, presbyopia or keratoconus, where soft lenses may not fit properly or offer enough variety. RGPs are also a better choice for those who need contact lenses after refractive surgery.
If you're considering GP lenses, be sure to first ask your eye care practitioner to verify if you truly are a suitable candidate. You never know…hard lenses could be the perfect match for you!
