Rigid Gas-Permeable (RGP) Lenses
Rigid Gas Permeable Contact Lenses have been available in the United States since 1979 and are a good option for patients with more complex or difficult prescriptions or those who require really precise vision.
Rigid Gas Permeable Contact Lenses are similar to hard contact lenses but are made of materials that contain silicone and fluorine. These special formulations of polymer allow the materials to be very permeable to oxygen and also have surfaces which are less adherent to mucous and protein from the tear film. Because they are so permeable to oxygen, they tend to be quite healthy for the cornea. In fact, they generally allow more oxygen to pass through than even soft contacts. They are made of hard plastic that gives crisp vision and corrects most vision problems. They are custom fabricated in virtually any shape so that they can be made to fit even the most difficult and complex corneal. They are durable and have a longer life span than soft contact lenses. Like hard lenses, they do require some time to get used to and are not recommended for highly physical activities.
[Page updated 12/2010]
