Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) contact lenses are a great choice for many people who need vision correction. They’re a bit different from the soft contact lenses that most people are used to, but they offer many benefits that make them a fantastic option for some individuals.
Whether you're thinking about trying RGP lenses or you're already wearing them, this article will give you everything you need to know about them.
What Are Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Contact Lenses?
RGP contact lenses are hard, but not in the way old contact lenses used to be. They are made from a special type of plastic that lets oxygen pass through, keeping your eyes healthy and allowing you to see clearly.
Unlike soft lenses, RGP lenses hold their shape and don’t shift around as much on your eye. This allows them to provide sharper vision.
These lenses are smaller than soft lenses, meaning they only cover part of your eye. This helps more oxygen get to your cornea (the clear part of your eye), keeping it healthy and comfortable. RGP lenses are also more durable than soft lenses.
With proper care, one pair can last a year or even longer.
How Do RGP Contact Lenses Work?
RGP lenses work differently than soft contact lenses.
Soft lenses absorb water, which helps them stay flexible, but RGP lenses do not absorb water. Instead, they use their shape to stay in place on your eye and help you see clearly. When you blink, the lens moves just a little, and this movement helps bring oxygen-rich tears under the lens, which nourishes your cornea and helps your eyes stay healthy.
Since RGP lenses don’t absorb water, they allow more oxygen to pass through to your eye than soft lenses do. This is great for eye health because your cornea needs oxygen to stay in good condition. The better the oxygen supply, the more comfortable your eyes will feel, and you’ll reduce the risk of irritation.
Another important thing about RGP lenses is that they don’t get blurry like soft lenses can. If a soft lens dries out, it can become less clear, but RGP lenses keep their shape and stay clear, which helps improve vision.
Benefits of RGP Contact Lenses
There are lots of reasons why people choose RGP contact lenses. Here are a few of the most important benefits:
Since RGP lenses are rigid, they help focus light more precisely on your retina. This provides sharper, clearer vision than soft lenses, especially for people with certain vision problems, like astigmatism. With RGP lenses, the light entering your eye is more focused, which gives you a more accurate picture.
2. More Comfortable for Some People
RGP lenses may feel different when you first put them in. It can take a little time to get used to the feeling, but many people find that they are more comfortable after wearing them for a while. RGP lenses don’t dry out as easily as soft lenses, which helps reduce discomfort.
One of the best things about RGP lenses is that they last much longer than soft lenses. With proper care, a pair of RGP lenses can last for over a year. This is great because you don’t have to replace them as often, and they’re less likely to tear or get damaged. Soft lenses, on the other hand, need to be replaced much more frequently.
RGP lenses are better for your eyes than soft lenses in terms of oxygen flow. They let more oxygen reach your cornea, which helps prevent dryness, irritation, and other eye problems. Since RGP lenses don't absorb as much moisture as soft lenses, bacteria and other debris are less likely to get trapped on the lenses, which reduces the risk of eye infections.
5. Great for Specific Eye Conditions
RGP lenses are also perfect for people with specific eye conditions. For example, people with astigmatism (a condition that causes blurry vision due to an irregularly shaped cornea) can benefit from the way RGP lenses hold their shape. Additionally, RGP lenses are helpful for people with keratoconus, a condition where the cornea becomes thinner and bulges out.
Essential Care Tips for RGP Contact Lenses
Caring for RGP contact lenses is simple, but it’s important to follow the right steps to keep them clean and safe to wear. Here’s how you can take care of your lenses:
1. Clean with the Right Solution
After removing your RGP lenses, you should always clean them. Use a cleaning solution recommended by your eye doctor. Put a few drops of the solution on the lens and gently rub it with your finger. Be sure not to rub too hard, as that could damage the lens.
Meni Care Plus RGP Solution (250ml) is a high-quality all-in-one lens care solution designed for rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses. It effectively cleans, disinfects, and moisturizes your lenses while maintaining a high level of protection against bacteria. Its gentle, pH-compatible formula ensures that your eyes stay comfortable and naturally protected throughout the day. With its quick and efficient cleaning action, Meni Care Plus offers a convenient and reliable way to keep your lenses fresh and clear.
When you’re not wearing your RGP lenses, store them in a clean lens case with a fresh disinfecting solution. Make sure to change the solution every time you store your lenses. Never use tap water or saliva to clean or store your lenses, as that can cause infections.
Your lens case should be cleaned regularly too. Rinse it with a fresh disinfecting solution and wipe it with a clean cloth. Leave the case upside down and open so it can dry completely. Replace your lens case every month to make sure it stays in good condition.
Are RGP Contact Lenses Right for You?
RGP lenses are a great option for many people, but they’re not the best choice for everyone. If you have certain vision problems, such as astigmatism or keratoconus, RGP lenses can provide better vision correction than soft lenses. They also last longer, so they might be a good option if you don’t want to replace your lenses as often.
However, it can take some time to get used to RGP lenses, and they might feel a little uncomfortable at first. If you’re not sure whether RGP lenses are right for you, it’s always a good idea to talk to your eye doctor. They can help you figure out the best option based on your needs.
Adasat: Your One Stop Shop For Eye Care
If you're looking for a great place to buy RGP contact lenses or need expert advice on eye care, Adasat might be just what you need. Adasat is a place where a team of experts comes together to help you find the best products for your eyes. Whether you need RGP lenses or any other eye care product, Adasat is dedicated to delivering a top-notch experience.
For a truly personal experience, Adasat’s flagship store in Dubai offers eye testing services conducted by licensed optometrists. These experts can help you make the best choices for your vision needs and ensure your eye health is on track.