GP Lenses

Gas Permeable Lenses: Do They Make Sense for You?

While soft contacts are most often used, another less familiar brand of contact lens materials exists: gas permeable (GP) contact lenses, sometimes called oxygen permeable lenses.

In reality, GP lenses involve newer technology than soft lenses, and they are longer-lasting, can be more successful in improving vision, and provide increased durability and resistance to protein deposits. Further they may also be less expensive in the long term than soft lenses. Of course, its best to first consult with an optometrist to determine whether hard lenses fit your lifestyle. Our optometry office can help you determine whether hard lenses are suitable for you.

Since a GP is constructed from stiff material, it maintains its shape well when you blink, which tends to allow for clearer vision than the typical soft lens. In addition GPs are extremely durable. Although they can crack if stepped on, they don't easily rip like soft lenses. Also, because they consist of materials that don't contain water, proteins or lipids from your tears don't adhere to RGPs as easily as they will to soft lenses. Those of you who are especially particular about quality of vision will probably choose RGPs.

The biggest disadvantage of RGPs is that they must be worn consistently in order to achieve optimum comfort. Additionally, some people report 'spectacle blur' with RGPs, which is when eyesight is unclear when the lenses are removed even while wearing glasses. While the effect is not permanent, it can require constant GP usage.

If you are thinking about RGP lenses, be sure to first speak to your eye doctor to determine if you really are a suitable candidate. You never knowhard lenses might be the perfect match for you!

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