While soft contacts are most common, a second, lesser-known brand of contact lens materials exists: gas permeable (GP) contact lenses, also called oxygen permeable lenses.
Actually, GP lenses involve more modern technology than soft lenses, and they are longer-lasting, offer greater vision quality, and offer better durability. Additionally they may also be less expensive in the long run than soft lenses. Of course, you need to first consult with an eye care practitioner to determine if RGPs fit your needs. Our optometry practice can assist you in ascertaining if you'd be a fit for hard lenses.
Because a GP is made of stiff material, it retains its shape well when you blink, which tends to provide sharper vision than the typical soft lens. Additionally GPs are especially strong. Though they can break if stepped on, they don’t easily rip like soft lenses. Also, because they consist of materials that don't contain water, proteins or lipids from your tears don’t adhere to RGPs as readily as they do to soft lenses. Those of you who are especially fussy about vision quality will most likely choose GPs.
GPs are also an often preferred option for people with special considerations such as astigmatism, presbyopia or keratoconus, where soft lenses may not fit comfortably or provide enough variety. RGPs are also preferable for contact users after refractive surgery.
When considering hard lenses, make sure to first speak to your eye doctor to find out if you definitely are a candidate. Who knows…hard lenses could be the perfect answer for you!
