Gas Permeable (RGP) Contact Lenses

Unlike soft lenses, these are made from a firm plastic that maintains its shape on your eye. They take a bit longer to get used to but provide incredibly sharp vision and last a long time.

Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) lenses are a modern advancement over obsolete PMMA hard contacts, offering a superior balance of durability, health, and visual clarity. Unlike older versions that blocked oxygen, RGP lenses utilize silicone-enriched materials to allow the cornea to breathe, while their refined design ensures a secure fit even during physical activity.

The Advantages of RGP Contact Lenses

1. Superior Breathability – Unlike PMMA, RGP materials allow oxygen to pass directly through the lens, maintaining corneal health and preventing dryness.
2. Enhanced Visual Clarity – The firm material maintains its shape better than soft lenses, typically providing sharper and crisper vision correction.
3. Deposit Resistance – Since they contain no water, these lenses naturally resist the buildup of proteins, lipids, and bacteria.
4. Improved Comfort and Stability – Modern RGP lenses feature contoured edges that sit snugly on the eye, making them more comfortable and less likely to dislodge during sports.
5. Long-Term Durability – A single pair can last one to two years with proper care, significantly reducing long-term replacement costs.
6. Ease of Maintenance – Their rigid structure makes them simpler to handle, clean, and insert compared to fragile soft lenses.

RGP contacts are some of the most popular lenses prescribed today. Their popularity can be attributed to their exceptional features, such as durability, high breathability, and low cost. Today, contact lens wearers have a variety of RGP contacts to choose from.

Bausch + Lomb, for instance, carries a sizable selection of RGP contacts, thanks to their commitment to the field of RGP lens research. That selection includes contacts from the Boston brand, such as Boston MultiVision and Boston Envision. Bausch + Lomb also offers Zenlens and Zen RC scleral lenses. Both of these RGP contacts are best suited for wearers with astigmatism.

Meanwhile, Contamac, a global leader in contact lens material technology, also offers highly breathable contact lens options under its Optimum range of RGP lenses. Lenses belonging to this range feature a wide range of oxygen permeabilities, excellent wettability, and high stability, features that make Optimum contacts some of the most popular RGP lenses on the market.

RGP contacts typically cost about $100 per lens, but each one can last for at least a year before they need to be replaced. As such, a yearly supply will cost you at least $200. That said, some contact lens retailers, such as Lens.com, offer RGP lenses at much lower prices.

Take note that RGP lenses specifically designed to address astigmatism may cost more. Your ECP may also charge more to fit you with RGP contacts than soft lenses. The fee is higher because an RGP lens fitting often requires more work and follow-up appointments.

Inserting RGP Contacts

• Wash and dry your hands thoroughly before handling your lenses.
• Remove the lens from its case, rinse with your ECP-recommended solution, and inspect for tears or debris.
• Pull down your lower eyelid with your middle finger, stare straight ahead, and gently place the lens on your eye.
• Blink a few times to center the lens, then repeat for the other eye.

Getting Used to RGP Lenses

RGP contacts take longer to adjust to than soft lenses. Consistent daily wear is key, if you skip several days, they may feel uncomfortable when you put them back in. If discomfort persists after weeks of regular use, speak with your ECP about trying a different lens type.

Removing RGP Contacts

• Wash and dry your hands before removal.
• Place your index finger at the outer corner of your eye and position your other hand below your eye.
• Pull your eyelid toward your ear and blink, the lens should pop out easily.
• Repeat for the other eye. Do this over a flat surface covered with a clean towel to catch the lens safely.

RGP contacts can last for at least a year if they’re removed, cleaned, and stored properly every day. Doing so also helps lower your risk of developing an eye infection or accidentally scratching your cornea. Take good care of your RGP contacts by following these tips:

1. Clean them daily - Daily cleaning of RGP contacts is essential. It’s important to clean your contact lens case daily, too.
2. Don’t use tap water for cleaning - Tap water contains germs and contaminants that can stick to contact lenses. Use a cleaning solution that’s specially formulated for RGP contacts instead.
3. Don’t wear them when swimming or bathing - Contaminants in water can stick to your contacts while bathing or swimming. Remove your contacts beforehand or try wearing swimming goggles.
4. Replace your contact lens case regularly - Even though RGP contacts last a year or two, replace your case every few months to avoid contamination that can lead to irritation or eye infections.
5. Never clean your contacts with saliva - Your saliva contains bacteria that may cause eye infections.
6. Always handle your contacts with clean, dry hands - Wash your hands with mild soap and water and dry them with a clean, lint-free towel before handling your contacts.
7. Don’t sleep in your contacts - Unless your ECP says otherwise, sleeping in your contacts puts you at risk for an eye infection.