RGP Contact Lenses

RGP contact lenses have been the subject of much, undeserved bad press. RGP, or
rigid gas permeable contact lenses are the latest technology in hard lenses; they are a
world apart from the hard lenses of years ago.

About RGP Contact Lenses

RGP contact lenses are smaller and harder than the soft contact lenses available on the
market. RGP contact lenses are generally considered to be better than the soft
spherical contact lenses at correcting astigmatism.

RGP contact lenses became available in the 1980s and revolutionised contact lens
wearing. The key material for RGP contact lenses is silicone, which allows gas to
flow through the lens to keep the eye moist; silicone also prevents irritation.

Opinions on RGP Contact Lenses

Older style hard contact lenses were particularly uncomfortable and difficult to get
used to wearing. In addition, old-style hard contact lenses did not allow gas to
permeate the lens and consequently, many wearers suffered from dry and irritated
eyes.

With the more modern RGP contact lenses, opinions have changed and many
professionals use RGP contact lenses in preference to the soft alternative. RGP
contact lenses are still harder to get used to than the soft version, but once you have
worn them in, they offer crisper vision and better long-term eye health.

Despite these positives, there is evidence to suggest that RGP contact lenses are a
contributory factor for ptosis, or droopy eyelid as it is commonly referred to.

Who Benefits from RGP Contact Lenses

Although RGP contact lenses can benefit nearly any contact lens wearer, there are
certain people who are particularly wise to consider RGP contact lenses. Those with
severe astigmatism are only able to use RGP contact lenses, as the soft alternative
does not offer sufficiently crisp vision. Evidence also exists that children wearing
RGP will see a slower progression of nearsightedness.

RGP Disposable Contact Lenses

RGP contact lenses are also available in disposable form for flexibility and ease of
use. Disposable contact lenses are particularly useful if you only wear lenses
occasionally, or find the cleaning routine too onerous.

However, do bear in mind that your eyes will get used to RGP contact lenses and may
struggle to adapt to other corrective methods, once the lenses are removed. Of course,
this does not mean that you cannot use disposable RGP contact lenses, as you can still
benefit from regularly changing your contact lenses, even if it just means swapping
one set of lenses for another.

Caring for RGP Contact Lenses

RGP contact lenses require regular care. One of the main differences between RGP
contact lenses and soft lenses is that a professional can polish RGP contact lenses if
the lenses begin to feel uncomfortable.

RGP contact lenses require specific solutions such as claris to clean the lenses and
then a separate solution for storage. Some solutions perform both functions and are
therefore often considered an easier and better way of caring for your RGP contact
lenses.

There is also a wide range of RGP contact lens inserters and removers such as
tweezers, available on the market, to ensure that your RGP contact lenses are fitted
correctly and not damaged during the insertion and removal process.

Maybe it's time for you to review the modern RGP contact lenses; they are a far cry
from the old style hard contact lenses of yesteryear.