Gas Permeable Contact Lenses
Gas Permeable (GP) lenses, also known as rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses, provide exceptional visual clarity and comfort for patients seeking an alternative to soft contacts. These lenses are especially beneficial for individuals who are hard to fit or have complex prescriptions.
At Advanced Eye Care in Waterville, our optometrist specializes in custom-fitting GP lenses to support better vision and long-term eye health – even for patients over 40 experiencing age-related changes.
Why Choose GP Lenses?
Unlike soft lenses, GP lenses are made from durable, oxygen-permeable materials that allow your eyes to breathe. Their rigid shape provides more stable and sharper vision correction.
GP lenses are ideal for treating:
- Astigmatism
- Presbyopia (age-related near vision changes)
- High prescriptions
- Irregular corneas, including keratoconus and post-surgical corneal reshaping
- Blurry vision not fully corrected with soft lenses
If you’ve struggled with poor vision from other lenses, our eye doctor for contact lenses may recommend GP lenses as the ideal solution.
Specialty Contact Lens Fittings Tailored to Your Eyes
We take a personalized approach to every fitting. Our comprehensive process includes advanced corneal mapping, trial lenses, and multiple follow-ups to ensure:
- Maximum comfort
- Crisp, consistent vision
- Long-term satisfaction
GP lenses are a smart option for hard to fit contact lenses, offering custom-made precision unmatched by many off-the-shelf alternatives.
Benefits of Waterville Gas Permeable Lenses
GP lenses deliver sharper vision than soft lenses, especially for irregular corneas or high prescriptions.
Their rigid material resists tears and deposits, meaning each pair can last longer with proper care.
These oxygen-permeable lenses promote eye health and reduce dryness or infection risk – especially important for contact lens patients over 40.
Frequently Asked Questions about RGP Lenses
How long does adaptation take?
It typically takes about 1–2 weeks for new GP lens wearers to fully adapt. Some mild discomfort or awareness may be felt initially, but with consistent wear, most patients adjust quickly.
Can GP lenses correct astigmatism?
Yes! GP lenses are excellent for correcting astigmatism – even when soft lenses can’t provide adequate clarity. Their rigid design helps reshape how light enters the eye, offering more precise correction.
Are gas permeable lenses comfortable to wear?
While they may take some getting used to, most patients find GP lenses very comfortable after the initial adaptation period. Because they’re smaller than soft lenses, they move more with each blink, which can feel unusual at first.
However, the customized fit and high oxygen flow make them a healthy, long-term choice for many wearers.
How do I care for my GP lenses?
Caring for RGP lenses is simple but important. You’ll need to clean and disinfect them daily using recommended solutions – not water or saliva. Regular cleaning helps maintain comfort, prevent infections, and extend the life of your lenses.
Your optometrist will provide easy-to-follow care instructions tailored to your lens type.