Deciding between soft and hard/rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses? Let us help.

Soft Contact Lenses

Soft contact lenses are composed of flexible plastic. When fit properly, they form to the cornea (the front surface of the eye). They are the most common type of contact lens worn.

 Pros:

• Greater initial comfort than hard or RGP lenses.
• Takes less time for new wearers to get used to.
• Ideal for intermittent wear.
• Less likely for foreign objects, such as dust, to get under the lens.
• Less sensitivity to light than with hard or RGP lenses.
• Rarely fall out of the eye, making them ideal for sports, particularly contact sports such as football or basketball.
• Available in tinted versions.
• Variable wear schedules – i.e. daily disposables that eliminate the need for lens cleaning all together.

 Cons:

• Less durable than hard or RGP lenses.
• May dry out, causing discomfort for some. This is especially the case for those in offices with forced air circulating, in hot rooms or in windy, dry weather.
• Susceptible to more deposits from the eye getting stuck, [EC6] which reduces lens performance in the long term.
• May absorb chemicals from the environment, which can cause irritation. Also, chlorine from the pool which can lead to irritation.

Hard/Rigid Gas Permeable Lenses

Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) lenses have been around since the 1960s. Newer RGP lenses offer the advantage of allowing more oxygen to pass through to the eye. They are often referred to as oxygen permeable lenses and are available in daily wear and extended wear options. 

Pros:

• Clear, crisp vision.
• Good at correcting astigmatism.
• Good durability.
• Good handling characteristics.
• Easier care system than soft contact lenses.

Cons:

• Less initial comfort than soft lenses.
• Longer adaptation period required than with soft lenses.
• More easily dislodged.
• More susceptible to the intrusion of foreign objects under the lens, such as dust.
• Can scratch and break.
• It is better for ongoing use due to the long adjustment period (having to get used to them again).

 The best approach to making the decision is a thorough eye examination  with your doctor of optometry. This will help build a better understanding of your specific vision requirements.