Gas Permeable Contact Lenses Improve Vision and Benefit Eye Health

If you wear contact lenses, you're probably familiar with both hard and soft lenses. Hard lenses, which are the original type of lens, are rarely worn today. Soft contact lenses, first introduced in 1971, are the most common type of lenses. A third type, called rigid gas permeable or gas permeable contact lenses, while lesser know, also are available.

What Are Gas Permeable Contact Lenses?

Gas permeable contact lenses are made of a firm, durable plastic that transmits oxygen. Because they don't contain water, they resist deposits and are less likely than soft contacts to harbor bacteria. Gas permeable contact lenses:

• are simple to clean and disinfect
• don't dehydrate
• last longer than soft lenses, often many years longer.

Are Gas Permeable Contact Lenses Better than Soft Contact Lenses?

The rigidity of gas permeable contact lenses allows easier handling than soft lenses. Their rigidity also helps the lens retain its shape better, providing crisper vision. Soft contact lenses are made from a gel-like plastic that contains as much as 79 percent water. While soft contact lenses may offer better initial comfort, they are prone to deposit problems and, for that reason, may cause eye infections and irritation. Thus, gas permeable contact lenses may be better for eye health.

Do Gas Permeable Contact Lenses Feel Like Hard Contact Lenses?

Hard lenses, also called PMMA lenses, do not allow oxygen to pass through the lens to the eye, often causing redness, irritation and discomfort. Few people still wear these lenses. While gas permeable contact lenses are sturdy like hard lenses, they are not uncomfortable and do allow oxygen to reach the eye.

Who Can Wear Gas Permeable Contact Lenses?

Gas permeable contact lenses are custom made for each individual. Your eyecare professional will measure the exact shape of your cornea and prescribe lenses with the curvature, size, and corrective power that suit your particular needs.

Where Can I Buy Gas Permeable Contact Lenses?

With your prescription in hand, you can buy gas permeable contact lenses from your eyecare professional, local pharmacy or online. Some online companies offer free shipping on orders, so if they carry your prescription, they might be worth a visit. To learn more about gas permeable contact lenses, feel free to browse this site.

Shop for: