Rigid Gas Permeable Contact Lenses RGP

Rigid Gas Permeable Contact Lenses (RGP): The High-Visual Quality Alternative

Rigid gas permeable lenses (RGP) are contact lenses made of rigid yet flexible materials that allow oxygen to pass through to the cornea. Unlike soft lenses, RGPs do not contain water, making them more durable and effective for correcting complex vision problems.

What Makes Them Different?

✅ Material: Composites of silicone and fluorocarbon polymers, which allow for greater corneal oxygenation.

✅ Durability: They can last 1-2 years with proper care.

✅ Visual Quality: They provide clearer vision than soft lenses, especially for irregular corneas (keratoconus, post-surgery).

✅ Stability: They do not deform with blinking, ideal for high astigmatism.

Main Indications

✔ Keratoconus (gold standard for improving vision).

✔ Irregular astigmatism (post-trauma or surgery).

✔ Moderate-severe dry eye (they don't absorb moisture like soft lenses).

✔ Presbyopia (with special multifocal designs).

✔ Post-refractive surgery (when the cornea becomes irregular).

Types of Rigid Contact Lenses RGP

Type

Standard correction

For uncomplicated myopia/hyperopia.

Toric

Corrects regular astigmatism.

Scleral

Larger, rests on the sclera (ideal for advanced keratoconus).

Multifocal

For presbyopia (near and far vision).

Advantages of RGP Rigid Contact Lenses

Corneal oxygenation: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Excellent)

Durability: 1-2 years

Visual quality: Superior in irregular corneas

Maintenance: Daily cleaning required

Advantages of Soft Lenses

Corneal oxygenation: ⭐⭐⭐ (Depending on the material)

Durability: 1 day to 1 month

Visual quality: Good, but limited in irregularities

Maintenance: Daily: no maintenance

⚠️ Disadvantages and Considerations

❌ Adaptation period (may feel uncomfortable the first few days).

❌ Higher risk of falling out (due to their small size).

❌ Requires daily cleaning with special solutions.

Basic Care

Daily cleaning: Use a specific solution for RGP (never water).

Storage: In a case with storage solution.

Handling: Avoid contact with creams or makeup.

Replacement: Every 1-2 years, or as directed by a specialist.

Who Should Use Them?

Patients with keratoconus (90% improved vision compared to glasses).

People with high astigmatism (>2.00 diopters).

Those with dry eyes (they do not absorb moisture from the cornea).

Athletes who require visual stability (e.g., golf, target shooting).

Contraindications:

Allergies to materials.

Active eye infections.

Inability to handle them (older adults with tremors).

RGPs reduce the progression of keratoconus by exerting uniform pressure on the cornea (CLEK Study).

85% of users fully adapt after 2 weeks. In Mexico, 40% of optometrists recommend them for irregular corneas (AMO).