Skip to Content

How much does RGP lenses cost?

The cost of Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) lenses will depend on several factors, including the type of lenses, the design, the style, and the materials used. Generally, the average cost of RGP lenses is anywhere from $100 to $300 per pair.

However, more complex lenses such as multi-focal or lenses with special coatings can cost significantly more. Additionally, there may be charges for additional services like fitting, consultation fees, and eye exam fees that could increase the overall cost.

Prices can also vary depending on your vision insurance coverage and the optometrist or retailer where you purchase the lenses. Ultimately, it’s best to contact your eye care provider for a more accurate estimate of the cost of RGP lenses.

How much does it cost to get permanent contacts?

The cost of permanent contacts will depend on the type of permanent contacts you choose and where you get them from. Generally, permanent contacts usually cost somewhere between $1,000 and $2,000, with the exact cost varying depending on the type of lenses and where you purchase them from.

The type of lenses often used for permanent contacts are basic semi-permeable lenses, and that are designed to allow for oxygen to enter the eye, as well as allow for comfort and vision correction. Advanced features such as UV protection and prescription lenses can cost more.

Additionally, the location where you get the permanent contacts can make a big difference. It’s usually cheaper to get permanent contacts from an online store, while permanent contacts purchased from a private eye doctor or optometrist’s office can cost significantly more.

In some cases, the cost of permanent contact lenses may be covered by insurance depending on the lens type.

How often should RGP lenses be replaced?

Generally speaking, RGP lenses should be replaced on an annual basis. This is because these are typically specialty lenses made from rigid materials, and can be prone to wearing out over time. RGP lenses may also be more prone to dust and dirt build-up, as well as to drying out and hardening.

It is important to consider your available vision plans and coverage when considering replacement options. For RGP lenses, some vision plans may offer extended coverage for replacement, up to two years or beyond.

Be aware of the coverage your plan offers and work closely with your optometrist to ensure you get the best coverage and vision outcome.

Following routine eye exams, your optometrist can tell you the best time to replace your RGP lenses. The optometric staff can also answer questions about proper cleaning and care, help you with appropriate replacements, and monitor your vision changes throughout the life of your lens.

Ultimately, the best way to ensure that your vision and RGP lenses remain healthy and consistently performing is to ensure that you take good care of them and regularly visit your optometrist for check-ups.

Are hard contact lenses more expensive?

Yes, hard contact lenses are more expensive than soft (spherical) contact lenses. Hard contact lenses, also known as gas permeable lenses, require more specialized materials and a greater level of precision to manufacture than soft lenses.

As such, the material and labor costs associated with producing hard contact lenses are usually higher than those associated with producing soft lenses. Hard lenses also generally require more frequent care and maintenance than soft lenses, including specialized cleaning solutions and enzyme tablets, which can add to the overall cost of owning a pair of hard lenses.

Further, hard lenses typically have a longer lifespan than soft lenses, meaning that they may require fewer replacements over the course of a year which can also lead to greater savings for the wearer.

As such, hard contact lenses may be more expensive in the initial investment, but their longer lifespan and overall care and maintenance needs can end up providing more cost-savings over time.

Can RGP lenses damage eyes?

No, RGPs (or Rigid Gas Permeable) lenses are not known to damage eyes when they are properly fitted and used correctly. Many people wear RGPs successfully and safely. In fact, they are recommended by eye doctors for people who require greater visual acuity than what soft contact lenses can provide.

RGPs are more durable and rigid than soft contact lenses and don’t collapse against the eye. This makes them preferable to people who have a high level of astigmatism, or for people who play sports or engage in other activities conducive for contact lens wear.

Properly fitted contact lenses are custom-made to fit the unique shape of your eye and have to be regularly replaced.

The most common risk associated with wearing all contact lenses is infection, due to bacteria and other microorganisms that can accumulate on the lens surface. To reduce the risk for this, it is important to maintain good contact lens hygiene, such as washing and disinfecting your lenses regularly, replacing lenses and cases as directed, and avoiding sleeping in lenses.

RGP lenses may require more TLC than soft lenses, but they can still be a safe and effective way to correct poor vision.

Can you shower in RGP lenses?

No, you cannot shower in RGP lenses. RGP lenses are made of a rigid material that can be damaged if exposed to water. If you get RGP lenses wet, they can become hazy or cloudy and may need to be replaced or refitted.

A clouded-over lens can be uncomfortable, which is why it’s very important to avoid contact with any water including sweat or tears, when you’re wearing them. Instead of showering, you should remove your contacts before showering and make sure to clean and disinfect them every day as recommended by your eye doctor.

Do RGP lenses wear out?

Yes, RGP (Rigid Gas Permeable) lenses do wear out over time. People usually replace their lenses every one to three years, depending on the type of lens and how often it is worn and taken care of. In addition, the tear film on the surface of the eye can also cause a lens to wear out faster.

Poor hygiene, over-wearing, poor fitting lenses, exposure to heat, and contact with makeup, oils, and hairsprays can all cause a lens to age faster. Visiting an eye care professional regularly can help to ensure that RGP lenses are properly fit and maintained, which can help them last longer.

How long can you leave in gas permeable contact lenses?

Gas permeable lenses can generally be worn safely for up to 12-14 hours per day. It is important that contact lens wearers follow their optometrist’s instructions for lens wear and care. This means to remove and clean lenses as recommended, which is typically after 8 hours of wear.

Gas permeable lenses may be approved for extended wear, usually up to 7 days, with proper cleaning and care, but only after an optometrist deems the patient a suitable candidate. Some people may have a higher risk of developing an eye infection or corneal ulcer due to the lack of oxygen permeation to the eyes while wearing contact lenses.

It is best to consult with an optometrist to find out the best contact wearing time and care routine for you.

How do you maintain RGP lenses?

Maintaining RGP (Rigid Gas Permeable) lenses is essential to ensure extended use and maximum comfort. It’s recommended to follow the instructions provided by your eye doctor and follow the cleaning, disinfecting and storage steps outlined below:

1. Cleaning – Use a cleaning solution specifically designed for RGP lenses and a separate solution for your contact lens case. Clean your lenses by rubbing with your fingertips for about 15 seconds on both sides.

Rinse the lenses prior to storing them in your contact lens case.

2. Disinfecting – Before every use, disinfect your lenses in a solution indicated for disinfecting RGP lenses. Soak your lenses for at least four hours but no longer than 24 hours. While soaking, you will occasionally need to change the solution in the contact lens case.

3. Storage – After the lenses have been disinfected, store them in your contact lens case. Fill the cases with fresh solution prior to each use, and change the solution at regular intervals. Replace your contact lens case every month.

When cleaning and storing your lenses, always use fresh contact solutions and change them regularly. If you are wearing your lenses for an extended period of time, make sure to remove them, clean and disinfect as directed.

Failure to properly clean and store your lenses can lead to eye infection or injury.

Why do my gas permeable contacts get cloudy?

Gas permeable contacts can sometimes get cloudy due to buildup of proteins and lipids, or fats, on the lenses. Normally the tear layer that coats your eyes prevents these proteins and lipids from being deposited on the lenses, but over time the tear layer can become less effective in keeping the proteins and lipids away.

This buildup causes gas permeable lenses to appear cloudy. If you notice that your gas permeable lenses have become cloudy, it’s important to have them professionally cleaned. If left untreated, the cloudiness can cause irritation and blurred vision.

If needed, you may need to change your contact lenses more frequently or switch to a different lens solution to keep them from becoming cloudy. Your optometrist may also recommend a different type of lens such as a soft contact lens if you are experiencing frequent problems with buildup.

Are gas permeable contacts bad for your eyes?

Gas permeable (GP) contacts can actually be quite beneficial for some individuals. GP lenses are made of a breathable, silicone-acrylic material that can help keep the eye moist and healthy, while also providing superior oxygen flow to the cornea.

They also offer superior vision stability and clarity, and can be worn for much longer periods of time than traditional soft lenses.

In addition, GP lenses are designed to create less friction and are less likely to trap dirt and debris, which can help reduce the risk of bacterial infections like corneal ulcers.

While GP contacts might not be suitable for everyone, they may be the best option for people with chronic dry eye, astigmatism, or other eye conditions. It is always advised to speak to your optician for advice about which type of lens is best for you.

Is 12 hours too long to wear contacts?

It depends! It is generally not recommended to wear contact lenses for more than 12 hours, as it can irritate the eyes and cause other health problems. Long-term hazard occurs when contacts are not cleaned or stored regularly.

Dryness, inflammation, and eye infection are all risks associated with wearing contacts for too long. Furthermore, extended wearing can interfere with proper oxygen transmission to the eyes and cause the lenses to become permanently misshapen and uncomfortable to wear.

The amount of time an individual can comfortably wear their contact lenses is determined by their eye doctor, types of contacts, and patient compliance. To be safe, it is best to follow the guidelines set by the eye doctor and take out contacts as soon as they become uncomfortable.

Overall, it can be comfortable to wear contacts for 12 hours if done properly. However, if discomfort is felt, ensure your lenses are taken out and disposed of properly.

What happens if you wear contacts for more than 12 hours?

If you wear contact lenses for more than 12 hours, it can cause a variety of potential health problems. Wearing contact lenses for too long can affect the quality of your vision and the health of your eyes.

It can lead to irritation, dryness, bacterial, parasitic, or fungal infections, and even corneal ulcers or scarring. Wearing extended-wear contact lenses for more than 12 hours can also cause corneal neovascularization, a condition that leads to new blood vessels growing on the cornea.

This can further impair vision. Additionally, wearing contact lenses for too long can increase the amount of bacteria on the cornea, increasing the chances of getting an eye infection. Finally, when contact lenses are worn for more than 12 hours without taking them out, the lenses can dry out, leading to discomfort and preventing the lenses from delivering adequate oxygen to the eyes and cornea.

For these reasons, it’s important to strictly follow the instructions for wearing contact lenses and make sure to replace them as needed.

What are the disadvantages of hard contact lenses?

Hard contact lenses can provide excellent vision correction, but there are some significant disadvantages to consider. The biggest disadvantage of hard contact lenses is the high risk of infection. Because hard contact lenses are rigid, they are more prone to collecting and harboring bacteria; as a result, people who choose hard contacts are at higher risk of developing serious eye infections such as conjunctivitis (pink eye).

Hard contact lenses can also be somewhat uncomfortable to wear, making it difficult to get used to them and leading to potential eye strain.

Another disadvantage of hard contacts is the need to correctly measure the size and shape of your eye to ensure the lenses fit correctly. Hard contacts need to fit snugly against the cornea, and improper fitting lenses can lead to even greater discomfort and further risk of eye infection.

Hard contact lenses also require more frequent cleaning than softer lenses, increasing the risk of incorrectly cleaning them or not cleaning them often enough. Finally, hard contact lenses may also be more expensive than soft lenses.

Resources

  1. Gas Permeable (RGP) Contact Lenses
  2. RGP Lenses – Fitting and Cost – Miami Contact Lens Institute
  3. Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses – MyVision.org
  4. How Much Are Contacts? Monthly, Yearly & More
  5. Buy RGP Gas Permeable Contact Lenses Online – AC Lens