What are gas permeable contact lenses?
There are more options for vision correction today than ever before. They are all great in their own way and offer unique benefits. An often-overlooked option for many people are gas permeable contact lenses or rigid gas permeables (RGP contact lenses) which provide a unique vision correction experience.
Although today’s gas permeable lenses are made of a rigid material that is not flexible, they are very different from hard lenses of the past. No more solid plastic in your eye.
There are several reasons why RGP’s may be the right choice for some patients. They offer many benefits like improved eye health, simple upkeep, clearer vision, customizability, and affordability. Plus, they last much longer than soft contact lenses.
It is easy for people to take their vision for granted, but the human eye is an amazing organ. It is unlike any other tissue in the human body. They have specific needs and can be finicky. Luckily, gas permeable contact lenses allow oxygen to flow to the eye and assist the cornea in defending the eye from infection and disease.
The history of hard contact lenses
Hard contact lenses made of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), were introduced in the 1930’s. Considered innovative and advanced for the time, these hard lenses were nearly made obsolete by soft lenses that debuted in the early 70’s. Which was a win for people who liked their eyes to be comfortable.
A decade later, rigid gas permeable lenses appeared on the scene. Vision specialists refer to these contacts by several names: gas permeable (GP) or Rigid Gas Permeables (RGP’s). They are the unique offspring of contact lens innovation and durability.
RGP contact lenses promote eye health
There are some distinct advantages to gas permeable lenses.
The surface of a gas permeable lens is more resistant to deposits than soft lenses. In contrast, rigid gas permeable lenses are less sponge-like and will not soak up substances that can house bacteria. They are also more durable than soft lenses and retain their shape better.
Gas permeable contacts also allow a proper interaction between the eye and oxygen from the air. The cornea draws oxygen from the air as tears act as a dissolving agent. The tears dissolve the oxygen from the air and transport it through the cornea, mimicking the job of blood vessels in other parts of the body. Cool, right?
A second gas, carbon dioxide, is a byproduct of the process and is eliminated by the cornea. Interruption of this process makes the eye vulnerable to issues like scarring, loss of transparency, and warping.
Initially, gas permeable lenses take a little more getting used to than soft lenses. Whereas the adaptability to soft lenses is almost immediate, it could take up to a week or two before patients find gas permeable contacts comfortable. All good things take time.
Who is a good candidate for RGP contact lenses?
Former hard or soft contact wearers who were unhappy with past results, should give gas permeable contacts a try. Technological advances have made gas permeable lens wear an option for more people today than ever before.
Gas permeable contact lenses can be used to treat presbyopia, astigmatism, and myopia. Typically, RGP contacts are only used in specific situations where they are required but patients can still request a trial of them through their eye doctor.
Handling and caring for your gas permeable contacts
To avoid eye infection, it is important to always wash and dry hands thoroughly before applying contacts. Be sure to always dry your hands with a towel that is lint free before inserting the contact into your eyes.
Now, gas permeable contact lens solution is different than solution for soft contacts. Only use the eye solution that is specific to your contact lens and has been suggested by a medical professional. Never top off solution. Always discard old solution and replace it with fresh solution. Avoid contamination of the bottle and case by rinsing the case and allowing it to air-dry completely each day.
Never change lens solution brands without discussing it first with an eye care professional. Finally, never wear contacts beyond the recommended amount of time.
Advantages over eyeglasses
Gas permeable contacts have some distinct advantages. Temperature change will not fog up the lenses. Vision may be clearer for gas permeable contact wearers since the contact sits directly on the cornea.
The distance of eyeglasses to the eyes is not ideal for perfect vision, especially peripherally. With correct handling and care, gas permeable contact lenses can last for several years. Additionally, contact wearers can more easily wear sunglasses.
The bottom line is that rigid gas permeable lenses can be worn by just about anyone. An eye exam by an eye health professional, an optometrist or ophthalmologist, is the first step to confirm whether or not you are a good candidate to wear RGP’s.
Original published date: 1/23/2020
Updated: 10/25/2022