Hard contact lenses offer long-lasting vision correction for patients whose eye conditions cannot be fully managed with glasses or soft contact lenses. Made from durable, oxygen-permeable materials, these lenses maintain their shape to create a smooth optical surface over the cornea, resulting in sharper, more stable vision.
What Are Hard Lenses?
Hard contact lenses, also known as rigid lenses, are made from durable materials that maintain their shape while allowing enough oxygen to pass through to the cornea. The most common types include rigid gas permeable lenses (RGP), scleral, and hybrid lenses.
Rigid Gas Permeable Lenses (RGP Lenses)
RGP lenses are smaller and sit directly on the cornea, providing sharp vision and durability.
Scleral Lenses
Scleral lenses are larger and rest on the white part of the eye (the sclera), over the cornea to create a tear-filled reservoir, which is ideal for irregular or sensitive corneas.
Hybrid Lenses
Hybrid lenses combine a rigid center with a soft outer skirt, providing increased comfort and making them a suitable option for patients who cannot tolerate full RGP lenses.
What Can Hard Lenses Be Used For?
Hard lenses are designed to correct a variety of eye conditions that soft lenses or glasses cannot fully address. Their precise shape and structure allow for customizable vision correction and improved comfort in patients with irregular corneal surfaces.
Keratoconus
Keratoconus is a condition in which the cornea thins and bulges outward into a cone shape, distorting vision. Hard lenses create a smooth optical surface over the irregular cornea, improving both visual clarity and stability.
Corneal Scarring
Scarring from trauma, infection, or previous surgeries can distort light entering the eye. Hard lenses help these refractive errors by forming a refractive surface and restoring clearer vision without relying on the natural shape of the cornea.
Severe Dry Eye
Patients with chronic dry eye often experience discomfort and blurred vision due to insufficient tear production. Scleral lenses are an effective dry eye treatment and can provide relief by maintaining a protective layer of saline solution between the lens and cornea, keeping the surface hydrated throughout the day.
Corneal Irregularities
Hard lenses offer vision correction to individuals with corneal irregularities by creating a stable surface that neutralizes distortions, resulting in sharper vision compared to soft lenses.
Benefits of Hard Contact Lenses
Hard lenses offer better optical quality, resulting in sharper vision than soft lenses due to their design. They are highly durable, lasting longer with proper care, and maintain their shape over time for consistent correction. Because they do not absorb water, they resist protein buildup and dehydration, which can improve eye health and reduce irritation and the risk of eye infection. In cases of irregular corneas, they support a smooth refractive surface. Many patients also experience improved oxygen transmission to the eyes with modern gas-permeable materials, ensuring greater comfort during wear. With regular use and good care, hard contacts can benefit your eye health.
Schedule a Consultation with An Eye Doctor at Advanced Eye Surgeons
If you have been told you are not a candidate for soft contact lenses or glasses due to an irregular cornea, severe dry eye, or other complex conditions, hard lenses may provide an effective solution. Schedule a consultation with Advanced Eye Surgeons by completing the online contact form to determine if hard lenses are right for your vision needs.
