Gas Permeable (RGP) contact lenses are hard lenses made of durable plastics that allow oxygen to pass through the lens. Oxygen is essential for optimal eye health, which is why it’s important that contact lenses are permeable to oxygen.

Features of RGP Contact Lenses

RGP contact lenses are often referred to as hard contacts, but they shouldn't be confused with old-fashioned hard contact lenses, which are now obsolete. Old-fashioned hard contacts are made of a rigid plastic material called polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), which is also known as acrylic or acrylic glass. PMMA has exceptional optical properties, but it is impermeable to oxygen. This characteristic means that old-fashioned hard contacts are uncomfortable for wearers. The lenses can also pop off the eye easily, especially when they’re worn during sports.

In 1971, Bausch + Lomb introduced the technology of soft contact lenses to the world. Their soft contacts were known as the Bausch + Lomb SofLens. This led to the creation of the first RGP lens, which became available in 1979. It used a combination of PMMA and silicone, a synthetic polymer that allows oxygen to pass directly through the lens to keep the outer layer of the eye (cornea) healthy. Manufacturers of RGP lenses also made the edges of RGP contacts fit snugly against the surface of the eye, making them more comfortable to wear than the older variety.

This design change also meant that RGP lenses were able to stay more securely on the eye, even when worn during sports and other activities. Because RGP contacts aren’t made of materials that contain water (like soft lenses), they’re naturally resistant to protein, lipid, and bacteria buildup. Contrary to popular belief, RGP contacts won’t make you prone to dry eyes because they’re highly breathable. This means they’re able to keep the eyes moist throughout the day. Plus, RGP contacts are very easy to clean and handle from insertion to removal.

In addition, RGP contacts typically provide sharper, clearer vision than soft lenses. They’re also exceptionally durable. In fact, they can be worn daily for a year or two before they need to be replaced. This replacement schedule can drastically reduce eye care costs in the long run for contact lens wearers. Some RGP lenses are also designed for extended wear or for overnight use, but eye care professionals (ECP) generally advise against wearing RGP lenses for an extended period of time or while sleeping to avoid eye irritation.

To recap, here are the main features of RGP contact lenses:

• Resistant to protein, lipid, or bacteria buildup
• Highly breathable
• Easy to clean and handle
• Provide sharp, clear vision
• Highly durable
• Less expensive in the long run

Popular RGP Contact 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.

How Much Are RGP Contact Lenses?

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.

How to Insert and Remove RGP Contacts

Wash and dry your hands before touching your RGP contacts or your eyes. Scoop your first lens out of the case with the index finger of your dominant hand and rinse it with a multipurpose cleaning solution recommended by your ECP. Inspect the lens for any tears or debris. Using the middle finger of your dominant hand, pull down your lower eyelid. If necessary, use the middle finger of your non-dominant hand to pull your upper eyelid. Stare straight ahead and gently place the lens on your eye. Blink a few times to center the lens. Repeat this with the other lens.

Don’t panic if the lens doesn’t feel comfortable as soon as you put it in. RGP contacts typically take longer to get used to wearing than soft lenses, but regular use is key for comfort. If you don’t wear your RGP contacts for several days, they may not feel comfortable right away when you put them in again. Try to be consistent with regards to how often and how long you wear your RGP contacts. But if you can’t tolerate them even after weeks of use, RGP contacts may not be a good choice for you. In that case, talk to your ECP about trying a different lens.

To remove RGP contacts, start by washing and drying your hands. For your left eye, place the index finger of your left hand at the corner of your eye and place your right hand below your eye. Stare hard at your right hand, then use your left index finger to pull your eyelid towards your ear. Blink, and the lens should easily pop out of your eye. Use this same technique to remove the right lens. You can do this whole process over a flat surface that’s covered with a clean towel so that you don’t have to worry about catching the lens.

Safety Tips for RGP Lenses

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:

• Clean them daily. Daily cleaning of RGP contacts is essential. It’s important to clean your contact lens case daily, too.
• Don’t use tap water for cleaning. Tap water is generally safe for drinking but not for cleaning contacts. That’s because tap water contains germs and contaminants that can stick to contact lenses. Instead, use a cleaning solution that’s specially formulated for RGP contacts.
• Don’t wear them when swimming or bathing. Contaminants in water can stick to your RGP contacts if you wear them while bathing. Likewise, contaminants in swimming pools can also end up on your contacts if you swim in them. It would be best to remove your contacts before swimming or bathing. You could also try wearing swimming goggles.
• Replace your contact lens case regularly. Even though your RGP contacts may last for a year or two, you should replace your contact lens case every few months to avoid contamination with germs and other irritants that can lead to irritation or cause eye infections.
• Never clean your contacts with saliva. Your saliva contains bacteria that may cause eye infections.
• Always handle your contacts with clean, dry hands. Before handling your contacts, wash your hands with mild soap and water and dry them thoroughly using a clean, lint-free towel. Irritation or eye infections can easily occur if you insert or remove your contacts with dirty or unwashed hands.
• Don’t sleep in your contacts. Unless your ECP says otherwise, don’t sleep in your contacts. This can put you at risk for an eye infection.

About Lens.com

Lens.com has been proudly offering high-quality contact lenses at discount prices since 1995. Choose from a variety of our RGP contact lenses and enjoy hassle-free returns, quick shipping, and a 100% money-back satisfaction guarantee.