Today’s contact lens wearers have several options, which is great but also confusing. Contact lens materials range from soft to hard. Each has pros and cons. RGP lenses (Rigid Gas Permeable), as the name suggests, are rigid. While they take a few weeks to get use to, they are the most durable. In fact, they are so durable, they can last for years. RGP lenses also allow more oxygen to reach the cornea than most soft contact lenses. Beyond healthy oxygen flow, there are several advantages RGP lenses offer. RGP lenses clean and disinfect easily, they maintain their shape, will not dehydrate, are easier to handle, and provide sharper vision than soft lenses.
People sometimes mistakenly infer that a soft contact lens will be comfortable and an RGP contact lens will not. However, both soft and hard lenses (RGP lenses) provide long-term comfort. The main difference between the two types of material, is the initial comfort. While soft contact lenses provide instant comfort, RGP lenses require a brief adaptation period. This is not due to the material, but instead the size of the lens. Think of it like getting a new pair of shoes, once you break them in, RGP lenses are just as comfortable as soft contacts.
Rigid gas permeable contacts are the best choice for many individuals, including: those who want to achieve the sharpest vision possible, those with astigmatism for whom soft contacts do not produce the desired visual acuity, people with presbyopia, and for people who have a condition called keratoconus.
While some people enjoy making a fashion statement with eyeglasses, others prefer their appearance without them. Contact lenses will allow you to do all the things you love without the hassle of worrying about your glasses. Today there are more comfortable and healthy contact lens choices than ever before. Contact us today at (805) 522-7007 to book your contact lens exam, or learn to learn more about your options.