While soft contacts are most common, another less familiar kind of contact lenses exists: gas permeable (GP) lenses, sometimes referred to oxygen permeable lenses.
In reality, hard lenses involve more modern technology than soft contacts, which last longer, allow finer vision quality, and provide enhanced deposit resistance. Additionally GP lenses may also be less expensive in the long run than soft lenses. Certainly, its advised to first consult with an eye doctor to decide whether GPs suit your needs. Our optometry office can assist you in determining if GP lenses are suitable for you.
Because an RGP is constructed from stiff material, it does a great job of retaining its shape when you blink, which can provide clearer vision than the typical soft lens. Additionally RGPs are especially durable. Although they can break if stepped on, they don’t easily rip like soft lenses. Also, since they're composed of materials that don't include water, proteins or lipids from your tears don’t stick to RGPs as easily as they will to soft lenses. Those of you who are especially particular about vision quality will most likely opt for GPs.
Rigid lenses are also an often preferred option for contact wearers with special considerations such as astigmatism, presbyopia or keratoconus, in which standard contacts may not fit properly or provide enough variety. RGPs are also a better choice for contact users after refractive surgery.
If you are considering GP lenses, make sure to first ask your eye care practitioner to ascertain if you definitely are a candidate. Who knows…hard lenses could be the perfect solution for you!