RGP lenses are modern rigid contact lenses made from oxygen-permeable materials. They provide clearer, more stable vision for high astigmatism and irregular corneas, are durable, and are available in multifocal and specialty designs. Alternatives include scleral and hybrid lenses; professional fitting and care are required.

Why RGP lenses still matter

Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) lenses are rigid contact lenses made from oxygen-permeable materials. Unlike the earliest hard lenses (PMMA), modern RGPs let oxygen pass to the cornea, which improves eye health and comfort. They remain a preferred option when sharp optics and corneal stability matter.

How RGPs differ from soft lenses

Soft contact lenses - modern hydrogel and silicone hydrogel materials - are comfortable on first wear and dominate the market. However, RGPs often provide crisper vision, especially for:
  • High astigmatism
  • Irregular corneas (for example, keratoconus)
  • Some multifocal/presbyopic prescriptions
RGPs retain their precise shape on the eye, so they correct irregular corneal surfaces better than a soft lens that conforms to the cornea.

A brief history (updated)

Early hard lenses were made from PMMA, a non-oxygen-permeable plastic that limited corneal oxygen. Newer rigid materials introduced in the 1970s allowed oxygen transmission and gave birth to the modern RGP era. Silicone hydrogel soft lenses arrived later and greatly improved oxygen flow for soft lenses.

Benefits and trade-offs

Benefits:
  • Sharper, more stable optics for irregular corneas and higher astigmatism
  • Durable; lenses often last longer than daily-wear soft lenses
  • Available in multifocal and specialty designs for presbyopia
Trade-offs:
  • Longer adaptation period for some wearers; initial comfort can be less than soft lenses
  • Require precise fitting by an eye care professional
  • Cleaning and handling routines differ from disposables

Modern alternatives and combinations

For many corneal irregularities, clinicians now consider scleral lenses (large-diameter rigid lenses that vault the cornea) and hybrid lenses (a rigid center with a soft peripheral skirt). Hybrid lenses combine the optics of an RGP center with the initial comfort of a soft skirt and are a good option when pure RGP comfort is a barrier. 1

Practical advice

If you have blurred quality vision with soft lenses, progressive vision changes, or a diagnosis such as keratoconus, ask your eye care provider about an RGP or a scleral/hybrid option. These lenses require professional fitting and follow-up. Proper lens care and regular eye exams keep wear safe and comfortable.

Bottom line

RGP lenses remain an important, modern option for people who need sharper optics or corrective performance on irregular corneas. Advances in materials and alternative designs (scleral, hybrid) give patients more ways to match vision quality with comfort.
  1. Confirm the specific years and milestones for PMMA hard lenses and the introduction of RGP materials in the 1970s.
  2. Verify the timeline for the introduction and commercialization of soft hydrogel and silicone hydrogel contact lenses.
  3. Confirm the origin/date or prominent brands associated with hybrid lens commercialization (e.g., SynergEyes) and major milestones for scleral lens modern adoption.

FAQs about Gas Permeable Contact Lens

Are RGP lenses uncomfortable compared with soft lenses?
Many people experience a brief adaptation period with RGP lenses; initial comfort can be lower than soft lenses, but most wearers adjust over days to weeks and appreciate the improved vision quality.
Can RGP lenses correct keratoconus?
Yes. RGP lenses often provide much sharper vision for keratoconus because they mask corneal irregularities with a regular optical surface. Scleral lenses are another effective option for advanced cases.
Do RGP lenses let oxygen through?
Modern RGP materials are oxygen-permeable and transmit oxygen to the cornea, unlike early PMMA hard lenses.
What is a hybrid lens?
A hybrid lens combines an RGP or rigid center for optics with a soft peripheral skirt for added comfort, giving a middle ground between rigid and soft designs.

News about Gas Permeable Contact Lens

Efficacy of multifocal rigid gas permeable contact lenses to control myopia progression - Nature [Visit Site | Read More]

Contact lens and aftercare news and views - Association of Optometrists (AOP) [Visit Site | Read More]

Bausch + Lomb launches Asana comprehensive line of gas permeable contact lenses - Healio [Visit Site | Read More]

Bausch + Lomb Launches ASANA™ Gas Permeable Lenses in the United States - Business Wire [Visit Site | Read More]

Best places to buy contact lenses online that are cheap and high quality - London Evening Standard [Visit Site | Read More]

Comparison of Rigid Gas-permeable Contact Lenses with Soft - researchgate.net [Visit Site | Read More]

Bausch + Lomb launches ASANA gas permeable lenses - Eyes On Eyecare [Visit Site | Read More]