Tell me more about hard contact lenses.
Hard contact lenses or rigid gas permeable contact lenses (RGP’s) are another way to correct a patient's prescription without needing to wear glasses. They can be used to correct any prescription including: myopia (nearsighted), hyperopia (farsighted) and astigmatism. Hard contact lenses are made from a special plastic material that is custom-fit to the contours of a patient's cornea.
A common misconception is that hard contact lenses are obsolete and are uncomfortable. Both of these things are not true. RGP lenses are made of engineered silicone-based materials that are more breathable than some daily disposable soft contact lenses that are on the market. When fitted correctly, they provide clear and comfortable vision.
Who are RGP contact lenses for?
While anyone can wear hard contact lenses, they are commonly used for patients who have unique prescriptions or corneal disease. RGP contact lenses are a great option for these patients because of the high degree of customization that is available during the fitting process. Soft contact lenses are often not an option for these patients due to limited availability in higher prescriptions.
For those patients who have had corneal injuries, surgeries or a condition called keratoconus, traditional soft contact lenses often do not fit perfectly. The soft lens may move or fold, causing discomfort and fluctuating vision.
In some cases, we can achieve better vision with hard contact lenses than with glasses or soft contacts. This is because the contact lens acts as a new front surface of the eye, smoothing out any ocular surface irregularities. This is especially true when correcting for astigmatism.
Some examples of the conditions that hard contact lenses are especially good for include:
High myopia (nearsighted)
High hyperopia (farsighted)
High astigmatism
Keratoconus
Irregular corneal curvatures
Ocular surface disease or dry eye syndrome
Corneas that have sustained trauma or have had surgery
Office supplies used to fit a RGP contact lens.
Are hard contact lenses right for me?
If you have worn soft contact lenses but they have never been very comfortable or the vision has never been very clear, it is possible that RGP contact lenses are a good option. During your comprehensive eye exam, we will measure the curvature of the front surface of your eye and your prescription. After looking at the health of your cornea, your Helio optometrist will then discuss all of the options available to get you seeing your best.
Is the contact lens fitting process different?
Yes, fitting hard contact lenses has a few extra steps and your optometrist will likely schedule this as a separate visit. During the visit, the optometrist will place several different hard lenses on the eye and evaluate the fit under the microscope with a special dye called fluorescein that makes the contact lens glow. We don't want the lens to fit too tight or too loose, but just right! We will then recheck the prescription so we know exactly what lenses to order.
The whole process takes around 20 minutes. There is nothing sharp or pokey involved so it won't hurt. Because we work with a local lab, it only takes a day or two for your actual custom contacts to come into our office.
How are RGP’s contacts different from soft contact lenses?
While RGP’s and soft contact lenses accomplish the same thing, allowing a patient to see without the need for glasses, they do have some key differences.
The fitting process has a few more steps and takes a bit more time.
Because the contact lens is made of an entirely different material, different contact lens solutions are used to care for the lenses.
Hard lenses are more durable than soft contact lenses. This means that a pair of lenses can last a year or longer as long as they are cared for correctly.
It is normal to experience some “lens awareness” or slight discomfort the first time you wear your lenses. Although this goes away if the lens is fitting correctly.
How are hard and soft contact lenses similar?
Both types of contact lenses need to be cared for. To prevent complications and infections, it is important to clean and store the lenses properly.
If there is any redness, irritation or discomfort that arises, it is important to have this checked out by your optometrist.
Whether you are already a hard contact lens wearer or have never been successful with soft contact lenses, schedule your eye appointment to see if hard contact lenses are right for you.