RGP are very good for correcting high degree of astigmatism and presbyopia. They are also only lenses for some eye diseases, like keratoconus.

RGP lenses are more resistant to protein and lipid deposits. This is especially important for people with high protein secretions

Rigid Gas Permeable contacts provide extremely sharp vision, even in dark.

See more information about contact lenses and eye health

Do RGP cost a fortune?

RGP lenses are quite pricey. But when consider that RGP lenses usually last for 2-3 years, overall cost isn’t so high. You would spend much more replacing soft contact lenses every 2 weeks.

Are RGP lenses comfortable?

A concept of a rigid lens being in your eye scares most people, because they don’t believe that such a lens can be comfortable. But in fact it is - people who wear RGP contact lenses report that a minute after they put lens in they feel like there is nothing in their eyes.

However, RGP lenses have an adjustment period. During first 5-7 days of wearing RGP contacts you might feel a little discomfort. Eventually, though, your eyes adjust and you stop noticing lenses.

Many doctors agree that RGP lenses are healthier for your eyes than any other kind of contact lens.

Which is more expensive - RGP or soft lenses?

Soft lenses cost per pair is lower than RGP lenses. But considering that RGP lenses are usually good for at least 2 years, picture turns other way around. Lets say you wear Acuvue 2 week disposable contacts and buy them at $15 (6 lenses per box). 2 years supply would cost you $ 240. This is definitely more than you would pay for RGP contact lenses, if you know where to buy discount contact lens..

On other hand, RGP lenses can break and are easy to lose. So if you think that in two years you might loose your lens a couple times, soft disposable lenses are more cost effective for you.

Comfort comparison

Many people think that rigid lenses aren’t comfortable. This is nothing but a misconception. People who wear RGP lenses usually don’t feel any discomfort; in fact, they don’t feel lens at all.

However, soft lenses feel good from first time you put them in, while RGP require a 5-7 days adjustment period. They feel strange initially but, after a week, most people adjust to them quite well.

If you aren’t happy with soft lenses you currently wear, ask your doctor if RGP contacts would be better for you. If your optometrist knows that you aren’t afraid of word “rigid”, he or she might suggest that RGP lenses would suit your better.