RGP lenses allow more oxygen to reach the cornea
RGP lenses are more flexible than prior generation PMMA hard contacts because silicone is incorporated in the majority of Rigid Gas Permeable lens (RGP) materials. Furthermore, silicone allows oxygen to travel through RGP lenses directly, letting the cornea to remain healthy without relying only on oxygen-rich tears forced beneath the lens with each blink. In terms of vision, durability, and deposit resistance, RGP lenses surpass soft contact lenses. They may also be less expensive in the long term than soft lenses since they preserve their structural integrity longer than soft lenses.
RGP lenses have superior optical quality
RGP lenses help you see things more clearly. The improved optical quality afforded by a stable refractive surface with little to no water content is the primary cause for the visual difference between RGP lenses and soft contact lenses. RGPs are typically beneficial for patients who are unsatisfied with their vision when wearing standard soft contact lenses for astigmatism.
RGP multifocal lenses outperformed other soft contact lens options in terms of high and low contrast acuity, contrast sensitivity, and visual clarity, as well as delivering the same visual clarity as eyeglasses. As a result of developments in manufacturing technology, higher add bifocal designs with an intermediate correction have been developed.
RGP lenses resist deposit formation
RGP lenses are also more wettable than soft hydrogel lenses on the surface. This may lead to improved long-term comfort and a reduction in lens deposit formation.
RGP lenses are safer for your eyes
Soft lenses have a lower safety profile than RGP lenses. Numerous clinical studies have concluded that RGP lenses are a safer alternative to soft lenses due to the benefits of a smaller overall lens size that does not compress the limbus, lens movement that typically results in good tear exchange and debris with the blink, unparalleled oxygen permeability, and excellent surface wettability.
RGP lens wearers had the least amount of infectious keratitis, as well as less corneal staining and a lower risk of peripheral corneal infiltrates. When wearing tight-fitting soft lenses, these concerns are common. When compared to hydrogel and silicone hydrogel lenses, RGPs had the lowest rate of corneal inflammatory events.
Individuals with a history of eye infections are also good candidates for RGP lens refitting. These patients are often advised to switch to a potentially safer contact lens regimen. Soft contact lens wearers are usually advised to reduce wearing time, change solutions and replace lenses more often.
RGP lenses are used for orthokeratology
Another notable benefit of RGP lenses is overnight orthokeratology. According to recent studies, Ortho-K overnight wear reduces myopia and decreases axial elongation in young patients.
RGP lenses are best for uneven corneas
RGP lenses are typically the material of choice when fitting postsurgical and uneven corneas. The optical quality and stiffness of these lenses allow for a more regular refractive surface due to their capability to demonstrate some molding ability and sphericalization of an uneven cornea. RGP lenses may often fix anterior corneal astigmatism by letting the tear lens to compensate for the astigmatism.
RGP lenses are more durable and last longer
Because RGP lenses are more durable, they are also more cost-effective in the long run than soft lenses. RGP lenses, unlike soft lenses, do not easily rip or alter shape or coloring, hence they are often utilized. RGP lenses do not easily rip, alter shape, or color, thus they do not need to be updated on a frequent basis. It is not essential to change the lenses. Over half of RGP wearers, according to studies, only replace their lenses every two to three years.