Hard Contact Lenses (RGP Contact Lenses)

Ever wondered, what are hard contact lenses? Or what is the difference between hard contact lenses vs soft?
In this video, watch as Damon Ezekiel talks about Hard Contact Lenses, also known as RGP contact lenses.
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Want to try contact lenses? Make an appointment with Damon Ezekiel or Kai Kang at: ezekieleyes.com/contact/ or phone [phone] for an appointment.
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Trust us to spend the time with you, finding out your goals, and helping you choose the best possible lenses for you.
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Tap the number above to make an appointment today!
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Who is Damon Ezekiel?
Damon Ezekiel is Principal Optometrist and owner of Ezekiel Eyes in Nedlands (Perth, Australia).
Damon is a contact lens consultant to research organisations and lectures and conducts workshops in contact lens practice. Damon fits all types of hard contact lenses, including:
* Rigid permeable contact lenses
* Orthokeratology lenses
* Scleral lenses and
* Soft contact lenses, including bifocal, multi-focal and cosmetic contact lenses.
Damon undertakes voluntary work in Vietnam and Cambodia on behalf of eye charity Sight For All.
Damon’s father, Don Ezekiel, Member of the Order of Australia, contact lens inventor and now retired Perth optometrist was awarded the Herschel Medal in 2005. Don invented and produced the world’s first gas permeable scleral contact lens.
Damon was elected President of the International Society of Contact Lens Specialists (ISCLS) in October 2018. This means more knowledge to make your contact lenses better.
****Book an appointment with Damon Ezekiel or Kai Kang, at: ezekieleyes.com/contact/ or phone [phone] for an appointment ******
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Find us on Facebook at: / ezekieleyes
Website: ezkieleyes.com

[@karamhamouche9405]

Lenses should no be this expensive have mercy for patient that cannot afford those lenses but they need them since their life is a nightmare with bad eyesight it should be affordable for all ppl

[@geraldl1401]

Proper fit is key. Well fitting rgp lenses become super comfortable after the adjustment period.

[@ezekieleyes4550]

Thanks for your comment, Gerald! Like you, we love well-fitted rgp lenses!

[@metanon2010]

How long is your adjusment period?

[@johnner7796]

@@metanon2010.

[@asmasherin9284]

Adjustment period???how many days will it take

[@JohanSchmidt]

Damon is a very experienced and knowledgeable guy! He'll get you fitted.

[@ezekieleyes4550]

Thank you very much, Johan!

[@bettyboop1524]

Over the years I have tried many "soft" lenses, but none ever gave me clear vision. My current doctor and I discussed getting an rgp lens for my one eye to see if that will give me the vision I want. That is what I wore originally just one contact and it worked beautifully, but of course that was when it wasn't a one size fits all like it is now with soft lenses. Your eyes were always measured to make sure that the contact would fit your eye not a hundred other people too. I can't wait to get this new lens hopefully it will solve the issue of good crisp vision.

[@optomly3055]

Hi Betty, how did you go with your rap lens? Did you notice good crisp vision? Kind regards, Ezekiel Eyes Team

[@cjtrooster]

Hello my Optician prescribed me two pairs of rgp’s. The brand I’m using are Optimum Comfort and Optimum Extreme.She said that I just need a lens polishing annually that is why she gaved me two pairs.Just needed to use 1 pair while the other serves as a spare or while the other is on the lab(being polished).She also said that if can maintain the lenses and with no changes on my prescriptions maybe that 2 pairs will be my first and last.Im just a little confused bec u said that a pair can only lasts max of 2 years due to wear and tear and pore blockage.Enlighten me Doc thank you.

[@marijap.6339]

if my lenses have the same diopter on them, is it important which one is the left and which one is the right lens? i think i've switched them up, but i'm not sure, and i can't find the "white dot/mark" which is supposed to be on the edge od the right lens

[@claireing]

I wore RGP since teenage and it has been 10+ years. It’s great. Never had any problem. I sleep with them too. They are way more comfortable and healthier than soft contacts.

[@ezekieleyes4550]

Thank you, Claire. Great to hear that they were more comfortable (and healthy) for you

[@matejakristo3726]

Does it ever happen to you that the contact sometimes feels like it got a piece of dust or something on it and starts scratching your eye and then stops once you adjust it a bit? I don't know if that happens to everyone or if my eye gets too dry sometimes

[@claireing]

Mateja Krišto yes. That’s the main problem, when dust get in, it’s worse than soft. But it’s easily adjusted.

[@chrishopkin9273]

Which type of lens is best for someone who only needs +2.25 near vision but doesn’t like to wear glasses and is really picky about their vision of fine print at work? Can RGP be better solution vs soft when looking for the best possible vision? Also would you suggest a bifocal type contact for really dialing in the fine print?

[@gissellesainz7704]

My prescription is getting moderately high (-7.00) and I have astigmatism. I feel like I can't see as clear with soft contact lenses anymore (either that or my optometrist isn't getting it right despite multiple attempts). Would you RGP lenses help me see more clearly and be a better option for me in my case?

[@atharvameher2179]

I have keretoconus and sceral are out of budget so doctor can a well fitting RGP change my life.....and also my work hours are 11 so i need to wear 11 hrs

[@yusufqcqnz]

Hi Doctor I went to optometrist yesterday for contact exam but he said due to need custom contact lenses, he couldn't give my prescription and that I would need get the contacts from them for me to get a prescription. Doctor isn't the optometrist mandated to give me my prescription after all I paid 150$. Is you can please advise me. I found the contacts online for much cheaper yet his manager said I couldn't order these online. I am a -8.00 in glasses with very high astigmatism. The hard contacts are cheaper option for me then soft contacts.

[@rajeshtripura1405]

What are the procedure you will follow to determine diameter, base curve, power, edge bledging of your order RGP contact lenses according to your prescriptions? Sir, Please tell the answer of this question.

[@ezekieleyes4550]

Hi Rajesh, thank you for your comment. Finding the best lens starts with getting Corneal Topography maps. This shapes the whole process of choosing diameter, base curve, power and edge bleeding. Some topographers allow a larger corneal area to be mapped. Often the inbuilt software will allow you to simulate several lens designs and parameters. This is the quickest way to see which lens might fit the best. However, you can't go past evaluating a real lens on the eye. Get great Topography maps and the process is much easier. Cheers!

[@netdetective5240]

I wear gas permeable lens and the brand I had they do not offer the dark blue option now . Is there another vendor that offers the darker blue lens my eye Dr ordered some Boston and they are faint hint of blue. I have a problem seeing them unless they are a darker blue tint. I need help my eye Dr seems to not know a vendor that offers these. I will loose them if they are not darker.

[@ezekieleyes4550]

Hi Net Detective, Many thanks for your question. The colour of Gas Permeable Contact Lenses is variable and dependent on the prescription in the lens. The centre thickness changes as the power in the lenses changes and therefore the colour in the lens varies from patient to patient. Some lens materials are darker than others. If you can inform me of your contact lens prescription I can try and find a darker material for you. Head to ezekieleyes.com/contact and tap on the email link. I hope this helps. Cheers, Damon

[@michaelcard9288]

I got grp lenses I do find it a bit uncomfortable but getting yous to it have had some problems But I can't thank NHS I got Kerrycones and dry eyes

[@ezekieleyes4550]

Julia Card Hi Julia, thanks for your message. Have you been back for a follow up with your rgp lenses? If not, wear them for at least a few hours before your appointment, so you can get a more accurate assessment of the lenses. I don’t know whether the NHS covers this type of lens, but it might be an option for you:

[@ezekieleyes4550]

Julia Card Scleral contact lenses can be great for Keratoconus and Dry Eye: kzbin.info/www/bejne/raGzmoSnmNZngck

[@michaelcard9288]

Hi yes I get regular follow ups I was having follow up every 3 weeks now I am on 3 month a pont ments Yes thay do scleral lenses

[@josecavazos1869]

I don't know what went wrong but I was never lucky enough to even get used not even a little bit to the discomfort of this rgp lenses..

[@ezekieleyes4550]

Thanks for your comment, Jose! The great thing about larger sized lenses is that you can hardly feel them. For example, mini-scleral and scleral lenses have great comfort. Curious? Check out this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/raGzmoSnmNZngck

[@rajeshtripura1405]

Please can u give me the notes..indications of RGP contact lens

[@ezekieleyes4550]

Rajesh, RGP contact lenses can be worn by many people. At Ezekiel Eyes, we weigh this decision based on a person's goals, their corneal topography, and their prescription. RGP contact lenses are great for their: *high oxygen transmissibility *clear optics (boosted by a smooth tear layer underneath) *durability (can get around 18 months or longer from a pair of lenses) * RGP lenses can be used in conditions such as keratoconus, pellucid marginal degeneration, myopia, astigmatism, hyperopia, orthokeratology (corneal reshaping lens), post-corneal graft and many other conditions. Damon often talks at professional eyecare conferences about RGP contact lenses. Visit him at one of his talks, or make an appointment to see him in person. Cheers!

[@heboforever1]

Is RGP lenses suitable for low corneal consistency for whom not suitable for laser surgery ?

[@ezekieleyes4550]

Hi Mawahib, Yes, RGP lenses are often used for people who are not suitable for laser surgery. Hard contact lenses may give crisper vision than soft lenses. We recommend seeing your optometrist for a check. Thank you

[@atharvameher2179]

I have keretoconus and sceral are out of budget so doctor can a well fitting RGP change my life.....and also my work hours are 11 so i need to wear 11 hrs.....is it ok to use 11 hrs

[@rukminipakala3154]

hey hi atharva which type of conatct lenses are you using now right now im using rgp lense for keratoconus and its my first day of wearing them and thinking to shift for scleral is it fine for me to continue with rgp cuz scleral are too costly

[@atharvameher2179]

I have keretoconus and sceral are out of budget so doctor can a well fitting RGP change my life.....and also my work hours are 11 so i need to wear 11 hrs............is it okay

[@ezekieleyes4550]

Hi Atharva, lenses that are well fitting are important- have you spoken to your Optometrist about wearing RGP lenses for eleven hours?

[@sam5605]

Hi, do these lenses correct for ast8gmatic myopia?

[@ezekieleyes4550]

Hi Sam, yes, these lenses correct for astigmatic myopia. These lenses can also be used to correct the shape of the eye while you sleep. Tap this link to learn more about Orthokeratology: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hF7ZgHh3hs13e7c

[@andrimalik2664]

Can rgp lenses brought to sleep? And can rgp lenses used for dry eyes patient?

[@ezekieleyes4550]

Hi Andri, Some RGP lenses can be slept in. For example, breathable RGP lenses are used in Orthokeratology (corneal reshaping lenses). These correct the shape of the eyes while you sleep. Check out this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hF7ZgHh3hs13e7c Orthokeratology can also be useful for patients with dry eyes, because no contact lenses are worn during the day (only overnight). Scleral lenses are useful in significant dry eye, because they help to bathe the front of the eyes in normal tears: kzbin.info/www/bejne/raGzmoSnmNZngck Hope this helps, Ezekiel Eyes Team

[@annyj8429]

Do this hard lens exactly fit in cornea or is it okay that it is slightly above cornea ? Also is blurry vision normal in initial application?

[@optomly3055]

Hi Anny, yes the hard lens balances comfortably on the surface of the cornea. Blurred vision is normal initially and then settles soon after insertion. Depending on the shape of your cornea this will depend on how the lens centres on your eye. I hope this helps.

[@andrimalik2664]

can rgp lens be used when we want to wash face and take a shower?. and if our eyes are exposed to water when using RGP. will cause eye irritation? Thank u doctor. GBu

[@ezekieleyes4550]

Hi Andri, thanks for your comment. It's best to remove RGP lenses before washing your face or showering. This way, there's no exposure of water to the lenses. (Water has germs and amoeba in it which can cause an eye infection.) Hope this helps!

[@andrimalik2664]

Doctor. if we routinely use this rgp lens for many years can restore the shape of the cone corneas like patients with keratoconus? Thanks doctor. GBU

[@ezekieleyes4550]

Hi Andri, Hard (RGP) lenses can shape the front of the eyes. For example, they are used in Orthokeratology: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hF7ZgHh3hs13e7c However, the cornea is less rigid with keratoconus. This means that re-shaping with rgp lenses is unlikely to be effective. Kind regards, Ezekiel Eyes Team

[@javedchoudhury8381]

My eyes water a lot when i wear the lenses, what can i do to get rid of this?

[@Choppa267]

Wear them more it gets easier

[@andrimalik2664]

Hi Doctor. I want to ask Does this RGP lens absorb bacteria or pathogens such as contact lenses? and what if our eyes are accidentally exposed to a little splash of water or splashed with water when using this rgp lens. Do I have to remove this rgp and use it again? Will it be a problem for the eyes? Thanks doctor. GBU

[@ezekieleyes4550]

Hi Andri, Most water contains low levels of pathogens. The nasty ones are Acanthamoeba and Pseudomonas sp. These can cause an eye infection and permanent vision damage. This is why it's so important to clean your lenses properly every night. I know that life happens, and accidents do too. Try to avoid getting any in your eyes. If you're concerned, take your lenses out, rub them with your prescribed lens cleaner, and store them for eight hours.

[@atharvameher2179]

I have keretoconus and sceral are out of budget so doctor can a well fitting RGP change my life.....and also my work hours are 11 so i need to wear 11 hrs.....plz reply

[@josecavazos1869]

Dude i wore them and let me tell you they are so fucking uncomfortable sometimes even painful.

[@atharvameher2179]

@@josecavazos1869 i think imma suicide

[@andrimalik2664]

sometimes i am afraid if this rgp lens can break when inside my eyes? whether it is possible

[@ezekieleyes4550]

Hi Andri, RGP's should not break in your eye. We test all our RGP's from the laboratory before passing them on to our patients.Kind regards, Ezekiel Eyes Team

[@andrimalik2664]

@@ezekieleyes4550 thanks doctor god bless you.. Thats helped me so much

[@SanaKhan-mf2ey]

Hii can yo please suggest instead of hard lens solution can we use any other solution , because I am not getting it right now so can you help me to is there any other product that is easily available .waiting for reply ,from India pleas .. Thanks

[@ezekieleyes4550]

Hi Sana, thank you for your question. Boston Advance tends to be our favourite hard lens solution. However, hydrogen peroxide systems like AOSept or Oxysept can be good options. (Just make sure you neutralise the peroxide for eight hours. Otherwise it stings your eyes a lot.)

[@SanaKhan-mf2ey]

@@ezekieleyes4550 hii Thanks for replay . but I didn't understand your last statement and don't know it is available in India . Now in lockdown situation . Then also will try to find Bostan product . Now We are using RGP Advance and Contacare . OK thanks for your replay .Take care by. Loves from India

[@matrimatrika9287]

Same problem ... Even I didn't got solutions..

[@bozmar1]

Hi. Do exist extended wear gas permeable hard lenses ? Thanks

[@ezekieleyes4550]

Mario Mario Yes, RGP lenses for extended wear do exist, but they are rarely prescribed. The most common form of overnight wear gas permeable lenses are Orthokeratology (corneal reshaping Lenses). Here’s a link to learn more: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hF7ZgHh3hs13e7c Thanks for your question! - Ezekiel Eyes Team

[@markwiygul6356]

Yes RGP extended wear do exist. In fact, Menicon-Z is approved for 30 day wear. However, most RGP lenses are Not approved for extended wear due to either low oxygen permeability or the necessity for the lenses to be taken out and cleaned, because they quickly attract deposits that cloud vision, and decrease oxygen permeability. Do not wear RGP lenses overnight unless you have the approval of the Professional who prescribed them.

[@ezekieleyes4550]

@@markwiygul6356 I agree, Mark.Some of my patients do wear extended wear RGP's but it is an individual, case-by-case situation. George, the most important advice I can give is to take the advice of your eye care practitioner as they have assessed your eyes. Your eye care practitioner has considered the viability of your eyes health, curvature, your occupation and prescription relationship as to what is the best contact lens modality for you.

[@markwiygul6356]

@@ezekieleyes4550 Thanks for the reply. I wear Boston-ES corneal RGP lenses, and have been wearing RGP lenses intermittently since they first came out (Boston IV). I've also worn Air Optix Night&Day Soft, for a month at a time successfully, and loved the freedom from lenses care. But, I'm back with daily wear RGP due to one eye's blurry vision, and I know these are for daily wear only. I'm not sure if I'd be able to wear extended wear RGP, but I've wondered about that!

[@ezekieleyes4550]

@@markwiygul6356 Yes, Night & Day are good extended wear lenses. However, they adopt the shape of your eyes. That's why the RGP lenses are so much better in that eye. I would recommend talking to your Optometrist about your lenses. Or come visit Perth, Western Australia and see Damon for an appointment!

[@bradystanley5482]

Why dont rgp lenses require a cyl power? My eye glasses prescription is plano with cyl -1.25 and axis 180. Rgp lenses dont require an axis and a cyl power?

[@ezekieleyes4550]

Thanks for your question, Brady! The cornea is the clear part at the front of the eye. Astigmatism (or cyl) often comes from the cornea. Hard contact lenses (or RGP lenses) are rigid. This means that they are like an 'umbrella'. They form a new smooth surface over the eyes. Our normal tears 'fill-in' the space underneath the hard contact lens. That is, the lens floats on a layer of normal tears over the cornea. Therefore, a hard contact lens can correct your astigmatism or cyl power. Awesome, right?

[@bradystanley5482]

@@ezekieleyes4550 that's awesome sounds a lot better and easier to correct my vision with a rgp then a soft contact lens. I haven't had any luck with soft contact lenses. Ive tried multiple brands, and I cant see clearly. My vision is always blurry with soft contacts. I think ill try the rgp. Thank you so much Doctor for your reply

[@andrimalik2664]

Excuse me doctor. Can rgp lens be taken to sleep? Is like afternoon sleeping just 1-3 hour? Thank u doctor god bless you

[@ezekieleyes4550]

Hi Andri, different types of rgp lenses let more 'oxygen' in. When you close your eyes, a highly 'breathable' lens is important. Some lenses are made to be slept in, such as OrthoK lenses. Ask your Optometrist/Optician about what you want to do with your rgp lenses. They are the best ones to guide you. Thanks, Ezekiel Eyes Team

[@andrimalik2664]

Hi Doctor. can hard lense be used for sports activities such as jogging or playing football Thanks God bless you

[@ezekieleyes4550]

Yes, hard lenses can be used for jogging or football. They come in a variety of sizes. Talk to your Optometrist about the best type for your needs. Cheers!

[@milmm2027]

Hey. I'm in my 1st week of using rgp lenses and my vision is blurry. Will it get better when I get used to them or something is wrong?? Thank you.

[@ezekieleyes4550]

Mil MM RGPs will take a few weeks to settle in. As you increase the wearing time the comfort will improve and the visual acuity will become more stable and clearer. At the delivery consultation was the vision okay? Assuming the vision was okay when you collected the RGP's the vision should be improving. Let me know. Thanks, Ezekiel Eyes Team

[@milmm2027]

@@ezekieleyes4550 Alright, I'll take note of changes over the next weeks. I appreciate your response, thank you so much.

[@atharvameher2179]

@@milmm2027 did it go well

[@thilakaswin2327]

Can Rgp lenses stop the progression of Keratoconus

[@ezekieleyes4550]

Hi Thilak, RGP's will not halt the progression of keratoconus. RGP's will enhance the quality of a patient's life by vastly improving visual acuity. Eye rubbing will cause the progression off keratoconus. I hope this helps. Cheers Damon

[@thilakaswin2327]

@@ezekieleyes4550 Thank You for clarification sir.

[@sambaughman6461]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="390">6:30</a> I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU DID THAT.

[@ezekieleyes4550]

What do you mean, Swob Wob?

[@uxleumas]

did what?

[@raghnallm4004]

limmy's mid career switch