What are Gas Permeable Contact Lenses? Gas perms or Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) lenses are available as a custom alternative to soft lenses. RGP’S are individually designed & made from a firm, oxygen-permeable material that offers numerous advantages over regular soft contact lenses. It may sound as if “soft” would be the better lens design, but that’s not necessarily the case. If we recommend RGP lenses, it’s likely for the following reasons:
1. RGP Lenses are More Breathable
RGP Lenses are oxygen-permeable, which means that they let air pass through, allowing your eyes to “breathe.” These lenses provide greater oxygen supply than soft lenses because A) The material they’re made of allows more oxygen through, B) They’re smaller and therefore cover less of the surface of the eye and C) Because they naturally move around on the eye more, allowing moisture and oxygen to circulate underneath the lens with each blink.
2. RGP Lenses are Personalized
This type of contact lens is customized to the individual shape of your cornea, allowing for a wider range of vision corrections and a better overall fit. This is important when your cornea is shaped irregularly which is common with high astigmatism or keratoconus. These personalized lenses are created specifically for your eyes, so the best fit possible is ensured.
3. RGP Lenses Offer Superior Vision Quality
RGP Lenses can provide sharper vision correction than soft lenses and it is common to see 20/15 once adapted. Gas permeable lenses are custom-made to have a smooth surface and hold their shape on the eye. IN contrast, soft contact lenses conform to the ehsape of the cornea with all its irregularities, move around very little and can dehydrate. Subtle irregular curves on the cornea lead to “higher order aberrations” and are corrected for by the tears formulating a lens between the RGP and cornea. As a result it is common to see 1 line better of visual acuity with this style of lens than others.
4. RGP Lenses Resist Deposit Buildup
Because RGP lenses have a smooth surface and don’t absorb or retain water, deposit buildup is less of a problem. This also means that they won’t attract and breed bacteria that can lead to eye infections. They’re also easy to clean and disinfect. All these benefits make RGP Lenses cleaner, healthier, and safer – NOt to mention, they’ll last longer than other types of contact lenses.
5. RGP Lenses May Slow the Progress of Myopia
RGP Lenses not only help correct your vision now but also slow the progression of myopia over time, a process called Myopia Control. That’s especially important for children who depend on technology for learning (spending on average over 11 hours a day on devices), and whose Myop[ia is in a rapid process of change. This usually slows down after they are 20 years old. RGPs are also used in Orthokeratology, a treatment in which the patient wears lenses to correct vision by reshaping the cornea.
6. RGP Lenses are Ideal for People with Astigmatism
If you have been told that you can’t wear soft contacts because your Astigmatism is too high, there’s good news: RGP Lenses may work great for you. The range of parameters available in RGP Lenses is a lot greater than most soft lenses on the market. Many individuals with very high Astigmatism are relieved to discover RGP Lenses and find that they can wear them comfortably for clear vision that lasts all day. Vision is often better than that found using glasses.
7. RGP Lenses Offer the Best Vision in Multifocals
Custom multi-aspheric designs are available that can correct near vision loss found in Presbyopia. The vision is consistently superior to that available in SCL Designs.
8. RGP Lenses are Cost-Effective
In addition to their other advantages, RGP Lenses can save you money in the long run. That’s because these lenses may last longer than other lenses, reducing the frequency with which you need to buy replacements. Because RGP Lenses are rigid, you don’t have to worry about tearing them; They are also easier to keep clean longer. ONe pair of RGP Lenses can last 2 or more years with proper care.
