Hard Contact Lenses

Hard contacts maintain their shape on your eye to provide incredibly crisp, sharp vision. Because they are highly durable and resist warping, they are a long-lasting option that handles complex vision issues very effectively.

Modern hard contact lenses are rigid gas-permeable (RGP) lenses, not to be confused with older conventional hard lenses made from polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), which blocked oxygen to the eye and are now largely obsolete. RGP lenses are made from durable plastics that allow high oxygen transmission while holding their shape firmly on the eye. Because they contain no water, they are naturally resistant to deposit buildup, making them a practical option for wearers with sensitive eyes.

RGP lenses stay in position during physical activity and can provide sharper vision than soft lenses for certain refractive errors. They can be worn daily for up to a year before replacement, making them less expensive than soft lenses over time. Some are approved for overnight wear, though eye care professionals generally advise against extended continuous wear to avoid irritation.

Key features of hard contact lenses:

• High oxygen permeability for corneal health
• Stay in position on the eye during sports and physical activity
• Naturally resistant to protein and lipid deposit buildup
• Provide clear, sharp vision for a range of refractive errors
• Highly durable with a replacement schedule of up to one year
• Less expensive than soft lenses over the long term
• Require an adjustment period before they feel comfortable

Bausch & Lomb carries a range of hard contact lenses built on their gas-permeable lens research. Boston MultiVision is a gas-permeable lens for wearers with presbyopia, and Boston Envision is designed for fitting ease and everyday comfort. Bausch & Lomb also offers Zenlens and Zen RC scleral lenses, both suited for wearers with astigmatism who need a larger diameter lens that vaults over the cornea.

Contamac, a global leader in contact lens material technology, offers hard contacts under its Optimum brand. Optimum lenses feature a wide range of oxygen permeabilities, high wettability, and strong stability, making them a widely prescribed option among eye care professionals for wearers who need rigid gas-permeable correction.

Hard contact lenses require a slightly different insertion and removal process than soft lenses and have an adjustment period of several weeks. Always wash and dry your hands before handling lenses.
To insert:

• Wash hands with mild soap and dry with a lint-free towel
• Scoop the lens out of the case with the index finger of your dominant hand
• Rinse with a multipurpose solution and inspect for tears or debris
• Pull down your lower eyelid with the middle finger of your dominant hand
• Place the lens on your eye while looking straight ahead and blink to center it
• Repeat with the other lens

Note: RGP lenses require an adjustment period of several weeks. Wear them consistently as skipping days will reset the adjustment process. If discomfort persists after weeks of consistent wear, speak with your eye care professional about alternative lens options

To remove:

• Wash and dry your hands before starting
• For your left eye, place the index finger of your left hand at the outer corner of your eye and hold your right hand below your eye
• Look down at your right hand and pull your eyelid toward your ear with your left index finger
• Blink and the lens should pop out
• Repeat for the other eye
• Tip: Perform this process over a flat surface covered with a clean towel to avoid losing the lens

Hard contacts can last for up to 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 injuring your eye. Take good care of your hard contacts by following these tips:

• Clean them daily. Daily cleaning of hard contacts is essential. It’s important to clean your contact lens case daily, too.
• Don’t use tap water for cleaning. Tap water is not safe for cleaning contacts because it contains germs and contaminants that can stick to the lenses. Instead, use a cleaning solution that’s specially formulated for hard contacts.
• Don’t wear them when swimming or bathing. Contaminants in water can stick to your hard contacts if you wear them while swimming or bathing. Always take them out beforehand.
• Replace your contact lens case regularly. Even though your hard contacts may last for a year or two, you should replace your contact lens case every few months to avoid contamination with germs and debris that can lead to irritation or infection.
• Never clean them with saliva. Your saliva contains bacteria that may cause eye infections.
• Always handle them 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 hands.
• Don’t sleep in them. Unless your ECP says otherwise, don’t sleep in your contacts. This can put you at risk for an eye infection.