What is rgp contact lenses

All these changes result in lenses that center well on the eye, providing good comfort and crisp vision. People sometimes mistakenly infer that a "soft" lens will be comfortable, but a "rigid" lens will not. In fact, both soft and GP lenses can provide long-term comfort.

However, soft lenses do provide better initial comfort, while GP lenses require a brief adaptation period. Soft lenses are larger in diameter than GP lenses and "tuck under" the eyelids.

As a result, you don't feel the lens edges when you blink. But since GP lenses are smaller, during blinking your eyelids will experience initial "lens awareness. Your lids gradually adapt so that you don't feel the lens with each blink. Once over that small hurdle, the comfort of soft and GP contacts can be comparable.

Think of it like getting a new pair of shoes. You may "feel" the shoes while you break them in, but if they're the proper fit, that feeling disappears. Here are some general tips for safe RGP use: - Do not use tap water or saliva to rinse your lenses. Sterile saline is best. Do not use the RGP if you observe any of these defects, as you may risk scratching your eye.

Initially, yes, but the discomfort may only last a few weeks. However, many people find that once they get used to the RGPs, they are just as comfortable as soft contact lenses. The key is to use RGPs consistently, so your eyes adapt to them. Adjustment to RGPs may take a few weeks, but everyone is different. Some people cannot get used to the sensation and stop using the lenses before they can adjust.

Piggybacking is a method where your doctor fits you with a breathable, soft contact lens underneath the RGP. This makes your RGP wear more tolerable if you have trouble adapting. All Vision Center content is medically reviewed and fact-checked by a licensed optometrist to ensure the information is factual and meets industry standards.

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Updated on October 26, Rigid Gas Permeable Contact Lenses. Written by. Melody Huang, O. In this article. Vision Center Recommends Contacts For all your contact needs. Visit Contacts Website. How much do RGP contact lenses cost?

Are RGP contact lenses safe? Categories of contact lenses There are two broad categories of contact lenses, however: soft contact lenses SCLs and rigid gas permeable lenses RGPs.

Soft contact lenses Advantages of soft contact lenses Soft contact lenses tend to be very comfortable initially. Disadvantages of soft contact lenses Disadvantages of soft contact lenses include the risk of tearing a lens and less oxygen getting to the cornea than with RGPs. Rigid gas permeable contact lenses RGPs, on the other hand, allow more oxygen to the cornea by the tears flowing under the lenses.

Differences in rigid gas permeable lenses compared to soft contact lenses Rigid gas permeable lenses are smaller in diameter than SCLs and are felt more initially by the eyelids as you blink over the lenses. Find the best lens for you Telling your eye care provider about your visual needs and the types of activities you enjoy will help him or her select the best lens option for you.

Last reviewed:. January