Updated on September 28, 2022

6 min read

Rigid Gas Permeable Contact Lenses

Written by Dr. Melody Huang, O.D.

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What Are Rigid Gas Permeable Contact Lenses (RGP)?

Rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses are hard contact lenses. They are also known as GP (gas permeable) lenses or oxygen permeable lenses.

Eye doctors typically refer to contact lenses as hard or soft lenses. Soft lenses are disposable lenses made of silicone hydrogel.

The first plastic contact lenses were produced in the 1930s. They consisted of a material called polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). One drawback of PMMA is that it does not allow much oxygen to pass through the lenses.

Modern RGP lenses incorporate silicone, which allows more oxygen to reach your eyes. These lenses are much healthier for your eyes than older models of hard lenses.

How Do RGP Lenses Work?

RGPs are customizable lenses that correct refractive errors, including myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. They also correct presbyopia (age-related farsightedness).

RGP lenses work by creating a smooth surface over your cornea. Your tears fill in the space between the lens and your eye.

This surface allows you to see clearly and maintain sharp vision throughout the day. Each time you blink, the lens moves, allowing tears to circulate underneath the lens.

Other conditions where RGP lenses may be beneficial include:

Keratoconus

Keratoconus is an eye disease where your cornea thins out and develops a cone-like shape.

As a result of this corneal distortion, glasses and soft contacts often do not provide sufficient vision correction.

Many keratoconus patients use RGP contact lenses.

Corneal ectasia

Corneal ectasia is a rare complication of laser eye surgery where your cornea is too thin.

Like keratoconus, people with corneal ectasia may develop irregular astigmatism. Glasses may not correct your vision completely.

RGPs can improve the quality of vision significantly.

Myopia progression

Myopia progression occurs when nearsighted correction increases steadily throughout childhood. Many parents are concerned with their children being highly nearsighted.

One way to temporarily reduce nearsightedness and potentially slow myopia progression is with a type of RGP lens called orthokeratology (ortho-k) lens.

They are worn while sleeping and temporarily flatten the cornea to provide some vision correction during the day.

Soft Contact Lenses vs. Rigid Gas Permeable Lenses

Although most people wear soft contact lenses, there are benefits to both soft and rigid contact lenses. Your eye doctor can determine which type of contact lens is suitable for you.

Pros of RGP Contact Lenses

Here are some benefits of RGP lenses:

Sharper vision

The lens is rigid, which provides a consistent, smooth surface. This feature allows you to have clear vision all day.

Soft contact lenses may change shape throughout the day as you blink and as the lenses dry out. This can cause blurry and fluctuating vision.

Suitable for high prescriptions

Some people prefer RGPs because they are not satisfied with their vision in soft contacts. These are often people with high prescriptions, particularly high astigmatism.

Soft contacts are also limited in the prescription strengths they can correct. RGPs can correct a wider range of prescriptions.

Highly customizable

Depending on your eye shape and prescription, your eye doctor specifies the power, diameter, curvature, tint, and other features of the RGP.

The lens is custom-made and sent back to your doctor. Once the doctor fits the RGP on your eye, they can determine if adjustments need to be made.

Durable

Most soft contact lenses only last a month or less.

Because of the durable, rigid material, RGPs typically last a year or more with proper care.

They do not tear like soft contact lenses, although they can scratch, chip, or crack if not handled properly.

Cost-effective

Because RGPs last longer, they often cost less than soft contacts, which must be replaced frequently. However, they are more expensive to replace if you lose or break a lens.

Avoid dehydration

Soft contact lenses tend to dry out on the eyes, causing discomfort and blurred vision. RGPs avoid these issues because the lenses do not dehydrate.

Correct presbyopia

Bifocal and multifocal RGPs are available to correct your vision if you wear reading glasses.

Cons of RGP Contact Lenses

These are some disadvantages of RGP lenses:

Initial discomfort

Many people choose soft contact lenses because they are much more comfortable the first time you put them on. Because of the hard material, RGPs cause more discomfort initially.

Longer adaptation

RGPs take longer to adapt to, sometimes a few weeks or more. If you are looking to use contacts occasionally, soft contact lenses may be a better choice.

With soft lenses, you do not have to worry about the adaptation period. RGPs are more suitable for those who plan on wearing contacts daily.

Smaller size

RGPs are quite a bit smaller than soft contact lenses and have a higher risk of falling out of your eye.

Eye rubbing or physical activities can make the lens more likely to dislodge.

Susceptible to contaminants

Because RGPs do not conform to the shape of your eye like soft contacts, foreign objects are more likely to get trapped underneath the lens.

Exercise precaution when you are exposed to dust, sand, and other irritants.

How Much Do RGP Contact Lenses Cost?

RGP contact lenses cost about $100 per lens, so a yearly supply costs around $200.

Some contact lens retailers may offer lower prices.

If you have astigmatism or require bifocal/multifocal RGPs, these lenses typically have an added cost.

Keep in mind that most eye doctors charge more to fit you with RGPs than soft contacts. The fee is higher because an RGP fitting usually requires more work and follow-up appointments.

Your insurance plan may cover some or all of the costs of the exam and lenses.

Are RGP Contact Lenses Safe?

RGP contact lenses are safe to use. Some studies have found that RGPs have a lower rate of infection and corneal inflammation versus soft contacts.

As with any contact lenses, you must use and care for them properly to maintain their safety.

Here are some general tips for safe RGP use:

Do not use tap water or saliva to rinse your lenses
Only use appropriate cleaning, storing, and disinfecting solutions
Replace your contact lens case every 1 to 3 months
Do not sleep, swim, or bathe in your contact lenses
Check for cracks and chips before inserting your lenses
If you get dust or other debris in your eye, remove the RGP lens immediately and rinse your eye with sterile saline

FAQs - Common Questions and Concerns

Here are some frequently asked questions about rigid gas permeable lenses:

Are RGP lenses less comfortable than soft lenses?

Initially, yes, but the discomfort may only last a few weeks. However, many people find that once they get used to the RGPs, they are just as comfortable as soft contact lenses.

The key is to use RGPs consistently so your eyes adapt to them.

How long is the adjustment period for RGP contact lenses?

Adjustment to RGPs may take a few weeks, but everyone is different. Some people cannot get used to the sensation and stop using the lenses before they can adjust.

Piggybacking is a method where your doctor fits you with a breathable, soft contact lens underneath the RGP. This makes your RGP wear more tolerable if you have trouble adapting.

Another option is a hybrid lens, which has an RGP in the center and a soft “skirt” on the outer portion, which improves comfort.

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