Although you may be most accustomed to soft contact lenses, another lesser-known kind of contact lenses exists: rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses, sometimes referred to oxygen permeable lenses.
In truth, GP lenses involve newer technology than soft lenses, which are longer-lasting, offer greater vision quality, and provide enhanced deposit resistance. Further RGP lenses can also be cheaper in the long run than soft lenses. Of course, its advised to first discuss with your optometrist to determine whether hard lenses fit your needs. Our optometry practice can help you figure out if RGP lenses are suitable for you.
Since an RGP is composed of stiff material, it does a good job of maintaining its shape when you blink, which can afford clearer vision than the average soft lens. In addition GPs are extremely durable. Although they can crack if stepped on, they don’t tear easily like soft lenses. Also, since they consist of materials that don't include water, proteins and lipids from your tears won't stick to RGPs as easily as they will to soft lenses. People that are extra particular about vision quality will most likely opt for RGPs.
On the downside, RGPs need to be worn consistently to reach optimum comfort. Further, some people report “spectacle blur” with GPs, which is when eyesight is blurry when contact lenses are removed even while still wearing glasses. Though the effect is not permanent, it can require constant GP wear.
If you're considering hard lenses, be sure to first speak to your eye care practitioner to determine if you truly are a candidate. You never know…hard lenses might be the perfect solution for you!