See Clearly with Gas Permeable Contact Lenses at Eyecare Associates of Southern Oregon
Gas Permeable (GP) or Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) contact lenses are an alternative to soft contact lenses that are made from a hard, oxygen-permeable material. GP lenses are currently less popular than soft lenses but offer several advantages and continue to improve as research and technology advance.
GP contacts are made of a firm plastic material that allows the passage of oxygen through the lens to your cornea and the front surface of your eye - essentially allowing your eye to "breathe". This increases comfort, health, and safety during contact lens wear.
What Are The Benefits of GP or RGP Contact Lenses
GP lenses offer several advantages over soft contact lenses because of the strong material and the ability to diffuse oxygen.
Health and Hygiene Benefits:
Unlike soft lenses, GPs don't contain water, which makes them less likely to attract and breed bacteria that can cause eye infections. Furthermore, protein deposits won't build up on the lens, keeping them cleaner and healthier.
Because they are made with a strong, durable material, GP lenses won't tear and are easy to clean and disinfect. RGPs maintain their firm shape and will not dehydrate. Additionally, GPs last longer than soft lenses - when cared for properly, a pair can last a year or more.
Comfort
GP contact lenses are custom-made for each patient based on the eye's individual curvature, size, and corneal shape. Their ability to transmit oxygen reduces eye problems such as dry eyes caused by reduced oxygen, which are common in many brands of soft lenses or hard (non-GP) lenses.
GP lenses have a smaller diameter than soft contacts, meaning that they cover less of the surface of your eye. While this may take some time to get used to initially, ultimately, many find that they are just as, if not more, comfortable than soft contacts.
Better Vision
Due to the rigid material, GPs have a smooth surface and maintain their shape, moving along with the eye to hold their place. This provides sharp and stable vision. Additionally, they do not dehydrate, which is often a cause for reduced vision with other lenses.
Cost
Because they last so long, GPs are much more cost effective than soft lenses, especially disposable lenses that require a constant supply. Because they are made to order, there is an initial cost investment, and they will take up to a week to manufacture if you do need a replacement pair.
GPs for Astigmatism
GP lenses are ideal for individuals with astigmatism who may have been told that they cannot wear soft contacts. Because of the rigid nature of the lens, they hold their shape on the eye, allowing for clearer and more stable vision correction.
Adapting to GP lenses
One of the downsides of GP contact lenses is that they require an adaptation period, particularly if you are used to soft lenses with a larger diameter. One major difference is an experience of "lens awareness," in which you feel the edge of the lens when you blink. It could take up to a few weeks to get used to the lenses, but many people report that after this initial period, they find that GP lenses are just as, if not more, comfortable than soft lens varieties.
GP Lenses for Myopia Control and Ortho-K in Medford
Research shows that gas-permeable lenses might be effective in slowing the progression or worsening of myopia or nearsightedness, particularly in children. They are also used in Orthokeratology (ortho-k), a vision-correcting procedure in which you wear the lenses at night to reshape your cornea for improved vision during the day.
Take the first step toward crisp, steady sight unhindered by astigmatism or other conditions. Call 541-779-2211 to discuss gas-permeable lenses with one of our friendly staff members.