Rigid Gas Permeable Lenses

Rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses are durable, breathable lenses that offer exceptional clarity and long-term eye health benefits. Unlike soft contact lenses, which are made from flexible hydrogel materials, RGP lenses are crafted from firm plastics that allow high levels of oxygen to pass through to the cornea. This combination of rigidity and breathability provides crisp, stable vision and supports corneal health.

One of the biggest advantages of RGP lenses is their optical precision. Because they maintain their shape on the eye, they provide sharper vision than soft lenses, especially for people with irregular corneas, high astigmatism, or conditions such as keratoconus. The smooth, spherical surface of an RGP lens masks underlying corneal irregularities, resulting in clearer and more consistent vision.

RGP lenses are also known for their long lifespan. With proper care, a single pair can last a year or more, making them cost-effective despite a higher initial price compared with soft lenses. Their firm structure resists protein deposits and drying, making them an excellent option for people who experience discomfort or dryness with soft lenses.

Although RGP lenses offer many benefits, they typically require an adaptation period. Because they are less flexible than soft lenses, wearers may initially notice awareness or mild discomfort. However, with regular use, the eyelids adapt, and most people achieve excellent comfort within one to two weeks.

Larger RGP lenses are known as sclerals. Sclerals can offer superior comfort to smaller RGP’s since they vault the cornea. By not touching the corneal surface the lenses do not stimulate the thousands of corneal nerves responsible for sending pain signals to the brain.

RGP lenses are particularly valuable in specialised applications such as orthokeratology (Ortho-K), where custom-designed rigid lenses gently reshape the cornea overnight to provide clear daytime vision without the need for glasses.

Overall, rigid gas permeable lenses remain a highly effective choice for patients seeking superior visual quality, durability, and eye health. With expert fitting and proper care, they provide reliable, comfortable, and precise vision correction for a wide range of prescriptions and eye conditions.