Although soft contacts are most common, another less familiar brand of contact lens materials exists: gas permeable (GP) contact lenses, also referred to oxygen permeable lenses.

In truth, hard lenses are a newer technology than soft contacts, and they are longer-lasting, allow better vision quality, and provide enhanced deposit resistance. Further they can also be cheaper in the long term than soft lenses. Certainly, its advised to first consult with your optometrist to decide if hard lenses suit your lifestyle. Our optometry practice can assist you in determining whether RGP lenses are suitable for you.

Because an RGP is composed of inflexible material, it does a good job of retaining its shape when you blink, which tends to afford clearer vision than the average soft lens. In addition RGPs are particularly durable. Though they can break if stepped on, they don’t tear easily like soft lenses. Also, since they're made of materials that don't include water, proteins and lipids from your tears won't stick to RGPs as easily as they do to soft lenses. Those of you who are extra particular about quality of vision will probably choose GPs.

RGPs are also a good choice for contact wearers that have certain conditions such as astigmatism, presbyopia or keratoconus, in which soft lenses may not produce the desired visual acuity. GPs are also a better choice for those who need contact lenses after refractive surgery.

If you're looking into hard lenses, be sure to first speak to your eye care practitioner to determine if you truly are a candidate. You never know…hard lenses might be the perfect match for you!