Can Anybody Wear Hard Contact Lenses?

When people think of contact lenses, soft lenses usually come to mind. However, hard contact lenses - more accurately known as rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses - remain an excellent vision correction option for many patients. Understanding what hard contact lenses are, how they differ from traditional soft contacts, and who they’re best suited for can help you decide if they might be right for you.

What Are Hard Contact Lenses?

Hard contact lenses, or rigid gas permeable lenses, are made from durable plastic materials that allow oxygen to pass through to the eye. Unlike older “hard” lenses from decades ago, modern RGP lenses are designed for improved comfort, breathability, and visual clarity.

These lenses maintain their shape on the eye, which allows them to correct vision more precisely than soft lenses in certain cases. While they are smaller and firmer than soft contacts, many patients find that once they adapt, RGP lenses provide crisp, stable vision throughout the day.

How Are Hard Contact Lenses Different From Traditional Soft Contacts?

The biggest difference between hard and soft contact lenses lies in their structure and performance. Soft contact lenses conform to the shape of the eye, making them comfortable right away and easy to adapt to. However, because they mold to the eye, they may not correct certain vision irregularities as effectively.

Hard contact lenses, on the other hand, keep their shape. This allows them to smooth out irregularities on the surface of the eye, often resulting in sharper vision - especially for patients with complex prescriptions. They also tend to last longer than soft lenses, often for a year or more with proper care, making them a durable and cost-effective option over time.

Who Can Benefit Most From Hard Contact Lenses?

Hard contact lenses are not ideal for everyone, but they are especially beneficial for certain patients, including:

• People with astigmatism that is not well corrected with soft lenses

• Patients with keratoconus or irregular corneas, where sharper vision is needed

• Individuals with high prescriptions who struggle with clarity using soft contacts

• Patients with chronic dry eye, since RGP lenses do not absorb moisture

• Those seeking long-term durability, as hard lenses typically last longer than soft lenses

Schedule a Contact Lens Exam Today

Not everybody can wear hard contact lenses, but for the right candidate, they can be a powerful solution for achieving sharper, more stable vision. With modern designs and advanced materials, today’s hard contact lenses are more comfortable and effective than ever before. The key is proper evaluation, fitting, and guidance from an experienced eye care professional.

Reach out to Modern iCare Optometry to schedule a contact lens exam and discover whether hard contact lenses are right for you. Visit our office in Palm Desert, California, or call (760) 674-7272 to book an appointment today.