The purpose of rigid gas permeables comparisons is really to find out which type of contact lens is really the best for you. Before entering into this discussion, perhaps we should be clear as to what a rigid gas permeable (RGP) lens is?

What Are RGP Lenses?

Gas permeable lenses utilise silicon, and were introduced in the mid-1980s. The technology is newer than that used in the creation of soft contact lenses. The use of silicone also makes the plastic more flexible plastic than PMMA, which is the material from which hard contact lenses were originally made.The gas permeable nature of RGP lenses means that oxygen can pass through then, resulting in greater comfort and better eye health. In fact, RGPs transmit more oxygen to the eye than do most soft contact lenses.

GPs can also provide better visual acuity, durability, and deposit resistance than soft contact lenses. They can be easier to clean, and since they're long-lasting, they can be less expensive in the long term than soft lenses.

Comparisons

Tests have been carried out on RGP's, to discover the effects of lenses on corneal swelling and corneal infections.

Despite 125 Dk/t units or greater, studies have shown differences in overnight swelling between RGP and silicone hydrogel materials. There is a small but significant overnight swelling with RGP lenses in this class when compared with silicone hydrogels, yet studies of Pseudomonas adherence to human epithelium have shown that RGP-wearing corneas bind the least bacteria.

Conclusions. Corneal refractive therapies are on the verge of international acceptance as a standard alternative for treating refraction. Continually using newer, more permeable lens materials is a necessity to ensure safety, efficacy, and, in turn, long-term acceptance.

The research and results above (C) 2004 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.

One can conclude from this research that the gas permeable nature of the lens is critical to the well being of the eye. The question of comfort will always play a part in a discussion such as this, but bearing in mind the nature of the conclusions drawn above, it would be worthwhile to make a great effort to try and get used to your RGP's.