Rigid Gas Permeable Contact Lenses

Rigid Gas Permeable Contact Lenses

One of the most critical factors in eye health is continual exposure to air. Oxygen helps keep all tissues healthy and the eyes are no exception. But all contact lenses cut back the oxygen that contacts the eyes rather, some more than others. During the past, that 'somewhat' was significant. RGP lenses are made of an aggregate of a polymer called PMMA, silicon and fluoropolymers that permit many times more oxygen to diffuse thru the lens itself than other types. Air migrates into the tear solution when the lens moved a little during blinking.

That helps keep eyes washed with oxygen to degrade protein buildup, micro-organisms and other stuff that would increase the odds of infection or other eye issues. RGP lenses are midway between a soft lens and a tough lens. That gives them a good balance of comfort whilst providing enough rigidity to fix mild cases of astigmatism, which soft lenses can't do. For other cases of astigmatism, toric lenses are available in an RGP style.

That firmness makes them helpful for correcting mild cases of corneal warpage too. Other out-of-shape conditions, like keratoconus, an illness in which the cornea becomes rather cone formed, reply better to RGP contact lenses, too. Since they are firmer, they keep their shape better when blinking and during ordinary movement. RGP lenses are flexible enough to move with it, making for a good fit and extremely sharp optics. That same firmness makes them better suited to making bifocal lenses than a soft contact lens, too. The classic RGP lens will last more than a year before requiring replacement. They are made from sturdy material that is not as likely to rip or scratch than soft contact lenses. One effect of the material is they don't draw moisture from the eye. That makes them cosy to wear, after a preliminary adjustment period.

Soft lenses, whilst cosy straight away, absorb tear solution from the eye, causing the eye to dry out more after some hours of wear. And as they are highly oxygen permeable RGP lenses can be worn for longer periods with less chance of protein or bacteria buildup. Also, as they resist protein buildup better than other types, they are better to keep clean and sterile. RGP contact lenses do need a marginally different sort of cleaning solution, though, so be certain to get the right kind when ordering this style. But if your eye care pro recommends them, you are certain to find they suit you well.