Understanding Hard Contact Lenses
Contact Lenses have revolutionized the way our vision is corrected. Whether you are looking for a Hard Contact Lens doctor in the Philippines or your eye doctor recommended using an RGP lens due to an eye disease like Keratoconus. In that case, you are in the right place!
What are Hard Contact Lenses?
Sometimes referred to as Rigid Gas Permeable Lenses (RGP), as the name suggests, they are rigid and durable lenses that are made from gas-permeable materials.
Unlike soft Contact Lenses, which are soft, flexible, and conform to the shape of your Cornea, these Hard Contact Lenses retain their shape while worn on the eye.
They are known for their ability to be polished, their longevity, durability, and zero water content.
How do they work?
An RGP fitted in an eye.
Like any contact lenses, they rest directly in front of the Cornea. While worn, a Hard Contact Lens creates a tear layer between the lens and the Cornea, allowing an ample amount of oxygen to reach the Cornea while maintaining a precise curvature to correct vision problems. This ability to create a tear layer behind the lens is also why Hard Contact Lenses are great for cases with Corneal Astigmatism and those with irregular Cornea like Keratoconus.
Who benefits from Hard Contact Lenses?
Hard Contact Lenses are suitable options for various individuals:
Dr Paroli fitting an RGP Lens on a Cornea with Keratoconus
People with Corneal Astigmatism: Hard Contact Lenses can correct Corneal Astigmatism easily, providing clear vision for those with the condition.
Irregular Corneas: People with irregular corneas due to conditions like Keratoconus, Pellucid Marginal Degeneration, or Corneal Transplants often benefit from the precise correction created by Hard Contact Lenses. Those who have undergone LASIK or PRK may also find Hard Contact Lenses helpful.
Dry Eye Sufferers: People who have experienced chronic dry eye symptoms may find Hard Contact Lenses more comfortable than Soft Contact Lenses due to their feature of not absorbing tears and being highly breathable.
In conclusion, Hard Contact Lens, or Rigid Gas Permeable Lens (RGP), offers many people clear vision and durable lens material options. Although they may not be the most comfortable choice for everyone, they can still provide sharp visual acuity and effectively correct the vision of an eye with Keratoconus.
About the author
Dr Mark Paroli is a board-certified Optometrist based in Pampanga, Philippines. Dr. Paroli has experience in fitting Irregular Corneas, such as Keratoconus, using RGP Lenses, Scleral Lenses, and Kerasoft Lenses. Dr. Paroli also specializes in designing and creating custom-fitted Ocular Prosthesis.
