Are Hard Contact Lenses a Good Choice?

25-02-2020

Did you know that 45 million people in the U.S. use contacts, with the majority being nearsighted? No matter your age, the idea of wearing contact lenses is appealing since you can conceal the fact that you’re wearing corrective eyewear while maintaining the prescription power you need.

Most people prefer soft lenses due to the comfortable design and low learning curve. However, if you’re evaluating your choice of vision correction, you might be wondering about hard contact lenses--and if they’re an option for you.

Let’s examine this type of contact lens a little closer.

What are hard contact lenses?

The “new” hard contact lenses are rigid gas-permeable (RGP) contacts. Made from a sturdy plastic material (often silicone) with a rigid design, you’d think these lenses were uncomfortable. However, it usually only hurts to wear them at first or if you get debris in your lenses.

RGP contacts are firmer than other lenses, yet they help extend oxygen to the eye. As a contact lens’ wearer, you know that your eyes require oxygen to remain in good physical condition. However, the quantity you need can vary, according to the American Optometric Association (AOA).

Many contact lenses can restrict how much oxygen makes its way to your cornea. But with RGP contacts, you get the supply you need. This type of contact lens is also long-lasting and ideal for correcting nearsightedness.

Hard contact lenses are a solution for many vision problems, and if worn the right way, you can enjoy clearer vision all around. Just consider that while these lenses are harder than their soft counterparts, they’re not indestructible, and you’ll still need to care for them to maintain their condition.

Are hard contact lenses for astigmatism?

In general, our eye doctors recommend toric contacts for astigmatism. The great thing about RGP contacts is they can be made toric. However, RGP toric contacts are not always essential.

Like other types of eyewear, hard contact lenses can take time to adapt to. As long as you listen to your optometrist’s instructions, wear them as often as you can, and keep them clean, you’ll find your choice of vision correction worth it.

What is the price for hard contact lenses?

Since RGP lenses are more complex than other types of contacts, they cost more than others. However, consider that while you might pay more for these hard contact lenses, you might not need to replace them until your next eye appointment.

An average pair of these lenses can cost upwards of $100. This value might give you sticker shock at first, but think about how much you’d pay for a year’s supply of soft lenses before you cancel out of your online cart. If you’re looking for quality lenses that will cover you for a year, our RGP hard contacts are a great choice.

Summary: Should you get hard contacts?

When you shop for “hard contact lenses,” what you’re looking for is rigid gas-permeable contacts. Most of these contacts feature silicone, which stays put on your eyes and helps with the flow of oxygen to your cornea.

Hard contacts are comfortable to wear as long as you apply them correctly and give yourself time to adapt. The great thing is, if toric contacts don’t work for you, hard contact lenses for astigmatism may be an option. In some cases, with higher levels of astigmatism, you may need RGP toric contacts.

While hard contacts might be pricier than other lenses, they’re a fantastic solution for your refractive issues. Book a contact lens exam and fitting today to see for yourself.

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