Gas Permeable Contact Lenses

Gas permeable contact lenses, also called rigid gas permeable lenses, or RGP contacts, are manufactured using harder plastic materials that don't contain water. This is different from regular soft lenses that contain a large amount of water. In addition, gas permeable lenses are less flexible than soft lenses, however they permit greater amounts of oxygen to reach the cornea. This is ideal for eye health, minimizing the risk of eye infection and irritation.

Gas permeable contacts provide vision correction for a wide range of problems, including astigmatism, keratoconus, and even mild corneal scars. RGP lenses typically take some time for the eyes to adjust to their use; however, the advantages they provide over regular soft contacts is worth the adjustment time to many. Most importantly, gas permeable lenses are easy to care for, are more durable than soft lenses, and are far less likely to cause eye infections and irritations.

Although these lenses are slightly more expensive than regular lenses, they need to be replaced less frequently than soft contacts, and can even be worn for up to 2 or 3 years.

Differences between gas permeable lenses and soft contacts are noted below.

1) Rigidity

Gas permeable lenses are more rigid than soft contacts. Although they require some adjustment to become accustomed to, they are more durable and last longer than soft lenses.

2) Replacement Frequency

Gas permeable contacts last longer than do regular contacts. Although RGP wearers have fewer replacement options than with soft contacts, many find the infrequent need for replacement preferable.

3) Oxygen Permeable

Gas permeable lenses are also called oxygen permeable contacts. The increased flow of oxygen to the cornea provided by gas permeables helps maintain excellent eye health. These lenses are less likely to cause eye irritation or infection than are soft contacts.

Rigid gas permeable contacts are available in many designs, including bifocal and multifocal lenses. Their rigidity helps the contact stay stationary on the eye, providing excellent vision correction.