What Are Rigid Gas-Permeable Contact Lenses?
Rigid gas-permeable (RGP) contact lenses are durable lenses made from highly oxygen-permeable materials that maintain their shape on the eye. Unlike soft contact lenses, RGP lenses don’t conform to the irregular surface of the cornea. Instead, they create a smooth optical surface that allows light to focus more accurately, providing sharper vision for many patients.
Who Can Benefit from RGP Lenses?
RGP lenses are often recommended for patients who need more than traditional soft lenses can provide.
You may be a candidate if you have:
- Keratoconus
- Irregular astigmatism
- High prescriptions
- Corneal irregularities
- Blurry vision with soft contact lenses
Many patients searching for rigid gas-permeable contact lenses for keratoconus discover these lenses provide improved vision by creating a smooth refractive surface over the irregular cornea.
Fitting RGP Lenses at Maine Optometry
Our specialty contact lens evaluation includes:
- Comprehensive Eye Examination: Our eye doctors assess your vision, prescription, and overall eye health.
- Corneal Measurements: Advanced imaging helps us evaluate the shape of your cornea and determine whether RGP lenses are the most appropriate option.
- Diagnostic Lens Fitting: Trial lenses allow us to evaluate lens movement, comfort, and visual clarity before your custom lenses are ordered.
- Custom Lens Design: Your RGP lenses are selected and customized to provide the best possible fit and visual performance.
- Follow-Up Care: We’ll monitor your adaptation, make any necessary adjustments, and ensure your lenses continue providing excellent comfort and vision.
Getting Used to RGP Contact Lenses
Because they are firmer than soft contact lenses, they often require a short adjustment period.
Most patients adapt over the course of several days or weeks as their eyes become accustomed to the lenses. Our team provides detailed instructions on insertion, removal, cleaning, and wearing schedules to help make the transition as comfortable as possible.
Why Choose The Eye Doctors at Maine Optometry?
Dr. Emily Leach and Dr. Dejan Varagic are skilled in fitting specialty contact lenses for patients with complex vision conditions. Using advanced diagnostic technology and a personalized approach, they carefully evaluate your eyes and recommend the lens design that offers the best combination of comfort, clarity, and long-term eye health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are RGP lenses better than soft contact lenses?
For many routine prescriptions, soft contact lenses work well. However, patients with keratoconus, irregular astigmatism, or other corneal irregularities often achieve sharper vision with RGP lenses.
Are RGP contact lenses comfortable?
Although they require a short adjustment period, most patients adapt well to RGP lenses and enjoy their excellent visual clarity and durability.
Can RGP contact lenses help keratoconus?
Yes. RGP contact lenses are commonly prescribed for keratoconus because they create a smooth optical surface that improves vision despite the cornea’s irregular shape.
How long do RGP lenses last?
With proper care, RGP lenses often last longer than soft contact lenses because they’re made from durable materials. Your eye doctor will recommend when they should be replaced based on your individual prescription and eye health.
Are RGP lenses the same as scleral lenses?
No. While both are specialty contact lenses, RGP lenses are smaller and rest directly on the cornea, while scleral lenses are larger and rest on the sclera, creating a fluid reservoir over the cornea. During your consultation, your doctor will recommend the best option for your condition.
RGP vs. Soft Contact Lenses
Soft contact lenses are flexible and comfortable for many routine prescriptions. Still, because they conform to the shape of the eye, they may not fully correct vision caused by irregular corneas.
RGP contact lenses:
- Maintain their shape during wear
- Deliver sharper, more stable vision
- Allow excellent oxygen transmission
- Are highly durable
- Can provide superior correction for certain corneal conditions

