What are RGP contact lenses?

RGP lenses are a great fit for:

• If you have astigmatism (where the cornea isn’t perfectly round)

• If you have keratoconus (a condition where the cornea thins and bulges forward, giving the appearance of a 'cone')

• If you have a high prescription (whereby other correction is possibly limiting the quality of their vision)

• People who need visual stability for myopia, presbyopia or irregular corneal shapes

Consistency is key when it comes to RGPs. Their rigid nature requires adaptation and may cause initial discomfort, which subsides through frequent wear.

There are several types of RGP lenses available, each designed to match specific visual needs:

• Standard RGP: suited for general vision correction

• Toric RGP: Designed with different curvatures to correct astigmatism

• Multifocal RGP: Incorporating multiple zones of vision to correct presbyopia

• Scleral lenses: Taking their names from where these lenses rest on the eye, (the sclera, the white part of the eye) these larger lenses create a 'fluid reservoir'. Ideal in correcting eyes with severe dryness and corneal abnormalities such as keratoconus.

• Ortho-K lenses: worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea and temporarily correct mild to moderate myopia during the day

Your optometrist can help decide which type is most suitable based on your eye exam results.

• Requires a consistent wearing schedule to aid adapting to the lenses and maintain comfort

• Less frequently replaced, these lenses need to be carefully cleaned to reduce a build up of deposits

• More prone to dislodging during sports or high-movement activities

RGP lenses require daily maintenance but are easy to manage with an adopted regime:

• Always wash and dry hands thoroughly before handling lenses

• Use only approved cleaning solutions, never clean cases or contacts with tap water

• Clean lenses daily and soak them in fresh solution overnight

• Regularly clean and replace your contact lens case

• Avoid wearing lenses while swimming or showering

Consistent care helps prevent dry eyes, discomfort and the risk of eye infections

If you’re exploring your options for online contact lenses and have complex vision needs like astigmatism, high prescriptions or irregular corneas, your optometrist may recommend rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses. Known for their durability and ability to deliver clear, stable vision, RGPs can be a good fit for certain prescriptions with proper care and regular eye exams. While we don’t offer RGP lenses, many wearers with similar needs find soft contact lenses — especially toric or multifocal types — a more flexible and comfortable alternative available online.

Need help choosing the right option? Talk to your optometrist first, and if soft contact lenses are the right option for you then come back to Vision Direct when you're ready to buy soft contacts online with confidence.