RGP contact lenses were created almost 40 years after the first hard plastic contacts and offer a tremendous improvement over the original lenses. Because they hold their shape better than soft contacts, RGP contact lenses often give you the best vision correction. And because an RGP lens is less absorbent than a soft lens, it gets less dirty and is easier to clean.

RGP stands for "rigid gas permeable" and the lenses are now often called just "gas permeable" or GP. RGP contact lenses are designed to retain the durability and good optical performance of hard contacts with the gas permeability of soft contacts.

The first contact lenses were made of a hard plastic that didn't allow oxygen to flow through to the eye's cornea. And this lack of adequate oxygen caused cornea irritation. So the RGP lens's ability to allow this oxygen flow is a significant advance. In fact, RGP lenses often pass through more oxygen than most soft contacts. This makes them a particularly good choice for extended wear.

Because RGP contact lenses hold their shape better than soft lenses, they often provide better optical performance. And this is especially important with correction for presbyopia or astigmatism. Additionally, a RGP lens is less absorbent than a soft lens and so it doesn't retain foreign substances as easily. And because it gets less dirty in the first place, it's easier to clean.

RGP contact lenses are also less fragile than soft contact lenses, which make them easier to handle. And unlike a soft lens, a RGP lens doesn't hold water and so it can't dry out. Although RGP lenses may cost more initially, their greater durability also makes them last longer and cost less over time.

The major disadvantage that RGP contact lenses have compared with soft contact lenses is related to fit. Because soft contacts are more flexible, they conform to your eye more perfectly and are more comfortable. This also makes them easier to get use to when wearing them for the first time. Additionally, the snugger fit that a soft lens has, makes it less likely to pop out playing sports or during other physical activities.