Maya Ellison
Rigid gas permeable plastic is used to make contact lenses. These lenses are made of a hard plastic that is permeable to oxygen. They are also known as GP or RGP lenses. They cost about $35 to $95 per lens, or $70 to $190 for a yearly supply.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Production cost | N/A |
| Durability | High |
| Oxygen permeability | High |
| Comfort | Requires an adaptation period |
| Vision | Sharper than soft lenses |
| Tear resistance | High |
| Water content | 0% |
What You'll Learn
- Rigid gas-permeable (RGP) lenses are made with conventional plastics combined with silicone and a fluoropolymer
- RGP lenses are more durable than soft contact lenses
- RGP lenses are custom-made to match the wearer
- RGP lenses are more expensive than soft contact lenses upfront but can be less expensive in the long run
- RGP lenses are more comfortable than old-fashioned hard contact lenses
Rigid gas-permeable (RGP) lenses are made with conventional plastics combined with silicone and a fluoropolymer
RGP lenses became available in 1979 and are a good choice for people with sensitive and dry eyes because they have 0% water content. They are also custom-made to match the wearer's unique eye shape, which is determined by a doctor before the lenses are requested. This is important because the lenses must fit the eyes perfectly, otherwise, they will irritate them.
RGP lenses are more durable than soft lenses and last longer, making them less expensive in the long run. They also provide better vision and are more resistant to deposits. However, they require an adaptation period before they are as comfortable as soft lenses, which provide instant comfort.
The newest generation of RGP lenses contains some form of fluorocarbon, similar to the Teflon used in frying pans. This fluorocarbon component greatly increases the oxygen transmissibility of the silicone-acrylate material.
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RGP lenses are more durable than soft contact lenses
Rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses are made with conventional plastics combined with silicone and a fluoropolymer, a special kind of plastic that is more oxygen-permeable. This is important because the cornea – the outer, protective layer of the eye – needs oxygen to stay healthy, and it gets oxygen from the surrounding air and tears.
RGP lenses are custom-made to match the wearer, so they are generally a good choice for anyone. They are also a good option for people who have sensitive and dry eyes, as they have 0% water content.
RGP lenses are known for their durability and are suitable for long-term wear. They can be more cost-effective in the long run than frequently replacing traditional soft lenses. However, there is an initial adaptation period, as the eyes need time to adjust to the firm lenses.
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RGP lenses are custom-made to match the wearer
Rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses are custom-made to match the wearer. They are made from a combination of conventional plastics, silicone and fluoropolymer, a special kind of plastic that is more oxygen-permeable. This is important because the cornea – the outer, protective layer of the eye – needs oxygen to stay healthy, and it gets oxygen from the surrounding air and tears.
RGP lenses are available as an alternative to soft lenses. They are made from a firm, oxygen-permeable material and offer numerous advantages over regular soft contact lenses. They provide more oxygen to the eye than traditional soft lenses, and they also give better vision and are more durable. They don't tear as easily as soft lenses, and they last longer, so they can be less expensive in the long run.
RGP lenses are for people who don't get the desired visual acuity from soft contact lenses and who are willing to go through a period of adaptation to contact lens wear. They have 0% water content, making them a good choice for people who have sensitive and dry eyes.
RGP lenses are not the same as the original hard contact lenses made of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) from the 1970s, which are no longer in use. Old-fashioned hard contacts are made of a rigid plastic material that is impermeable to oxygen, making them uncomfortable for wearers.
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RGP lenses are more expensive than soft contact lenses upfront but can be less expensive in the long run
Rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses are more expensive than soft contact lenses upfront but can be less expensive in the long run. This is because RGP lenses are made from a combination of conventional plastics, silicone and fluoropolymer, a special kind of plastic that is more oxygen-permeable. This makes them more durable than soft contact lenses, which are made from flexible materials that conform to the shape of the eye. RGP lenses also offer sharper vision and are more resistant to deposits. While soft lenses provide instant comfort, RGP lenses require an adaptation period before they feel comfortable. However, RGP lenses will last for 12 months with the right care and cleaning, and they are custom-made to match the wearer, so they are a good choice for anyone with sensitive and dry eyes.
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RGP lenses are more comfortable than old-fashioned hard contact lenses
Rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses are made with conventional plastics combined with silicone and a fluoropolymer, a special kind of plastic that is more oxygen-permeable. This is important because the cornea – the outer, protective layer of the eye – needs oxygen to stay healthy, and it gets oxygen from the surrounding air and tears.
RGP lenses are also more comfortable than old-fashioned hard contact lenses because they are made from a flexible plastic material that typically includes silicone. This lightweight material allows oxygen to pass directly through the lens to reach the cornea. When the cornea doesn't get enough oxygen, it can swell.
RGP lenses are renowned for their durability and can be extremely comfortable after an adaptation period. They are a good choice for anyone with sensitive and dry eyes because they have 0% water content.
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Frequently asked questions
Rigid gas permeable contact lenses can cost anywhere from $90 to $600.
The price of rigid gas permeable contact lenses varies depending on where you buy them. Online retailers offer lenses for as little as $10, while optometrists charge around $400.
Rigid gas permeable contact lenses tend to be more expensive than soft contact lenses upfront. However, because they last longer and provide better durability, they can be more cost-effective in the long run.
The price of rigid gas permeable contact lenses can be influenced by factors such as brand, materials used, and the level of customization required.
Yes, there may be additional costs for services such as fitting and follow-up appointments to check for adverse reactions. These services can provide valuable support and are typically included when purchasing from an optometrist.
