Glasses and Contacts Gas Permeable (RGP) Contacts
RGP lenses allow oxygen to pass through to the cornea as soft lenses do, but are not as soft and flexible as traditional soft lenses. RGP lenses are more durable, easier to clean and usually last much longer than soft lenses. They correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism and presbyopic (near correction). Typically RGPs provide sharper overall vision than soft lenses, but sometimes do require a longer adaptation period. Once adapted to the lens comfort levels equal that of soft lenses. Some twenty years ago, hard lenses were the only choice available for contact lens wear. The material at that time was much harder than that of the new gas permeable (soft) lenses. Many of the RGPs made today, however, are made of silicone, which makes the lens more flexible than the previous generation of hard contact lenses. This softer material not only allows the lens to be worn all day, but also allows for better comfort and oxygen permeability to the cornea. Today's hard lenses allow for more oxygen transmission to the eye than most soft lenses. This means better overall eye health.

Crisper, Sharper Vision Vs. Soft Lenses Durable, Long Lasting (2 to 4 years) Controls the Progression of Nearsightedness (Myopia) Easy Maintenance, Can be Worn All Day Lenses Can be Polished to Remove Surface Scratches and Film Better Oxygen Flow to the Cornea, Better Overall Health May be Used for All Types of Vision Corrections

Longer Period of Adaptability

With the newer types of RGPs available today, we are able to slow down or even stop the progression of nearsightedness "Myopia Control". By using specific gas permeable lenses, the amount of nearsightedness in children and adults can be held just by wearing lenses during the day. The process of controlling myopia will prevent kids whose eyes are constantly changing year to year, thus eliminating the increased progression of nearsightedness. As with the soft lenses, RGPs are used to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and even near vision correction by using "Bifocal" type lenses. These lenses are also used to correct Keratoconus and other conditions that prevent sharp, clear vision while wearing glasses. A newer lens avaiable which provides the comfort of a soft lens but the sharpness of vision as the RGP is the "Macro Lens". This lens fits like a soft lens with all the inherent comfort while providing the sharpness and crispness of distance vision. The Macro Lens provides comfort and vision that can be worn all day.