Rigid Contact Lenses

Today’s rigid contact lenses are made of durable plastics that allow oxygen to pass through the lens. Most rigid contact lens materials include silicone, which makes the lenses more flexible than previous generations of hard contacts. In fact, most modern rigid contacts allow more oxygen to reach the cornea than most soft contact lenses.

Types of Rigid Contact Lenses

Rigid Gas Permeable Lenses
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) Lenses
Hybrid Contact Lenses
Mini-scleral Contact Lenses
Scleral Contact Lenses

How to Insert & Remove Rigid Gas Permeable Contact Lenses

For information on inserting & removing mini-scleral & scleral contact lenses, get in touch with us.

How to Clean & Store Your Rigid Contact Lenses

An effective cleaning process is vital to ensure comfortable, hygienic and infection-free contact lens wear. With correct cleaning, contact lenses will feel better on your eyes, allow better eye health and vision, and dramatically reduce the risk of infection. Always clean your lenses after wear, and NEVER RINSE OR STORE YOUR LENSES IN TAP WATER. The acanthamoeba microorganism is plentiful in tap water and can cause a severe, painful and sight-threatening infection.

Peroxide cleaner (AOSept with Hydraglyde)

To clean, disinfect and condition: Fill the case up to the line, place your lenses in the correct cage-holder, then submerge the case and screw closed. Over the course of a 6 hour period the catalyst in the case converts the disinfectant hydrogen peroxide solution into water and oxygen gas. The solution also includes Hydraglyde, an ingredient which improves the wettability of your contact lenses.

This cleaning solution requires no rubbing step, which decreases the risk of accidental breakage. The lenses do not need to be rinsed after the clean, as the solution neutralises to sterile water. The case can be left to air dry when not in use and should be replaced with each new bottle of solution. Take care when transporting the case as sometimes the small gas-release hole can leak the solution. Do not remove the lenses from the case before 6 hours, as the un-neutralised hydrogen peroxide in your eyes will sting painfully. If this occurs, rinse thoroughly with water and contact your optometrist if the pain persists or your vision is affected.

Multipurpose solutions (Menicare and Boston Simplus)

To clean: Place a few drops of rigid contact lens solution on the palm and the lens, then rub with your finger-pad for at least 10 seconds on each side. The back surface (concave) is best cleaned by moving your thumb across the surface. This step removes material that deposits on the lens during wear.
To disinfect and condition: Place the lens in fresh solution in your lens case, ensuring the lens is completely submerged. This step kills microbes on your lenses and prepares the surface of your lens to stay wet throughout wear, increasing comfort. Store your lenses in this solution for at least 4 hours for the cleaning process to be complete.

Whilst RGP lenses are strong, with incorrect technique or too much force they can break, so take care during the cleaning step.

Regular protein removal (Progent)

To use: Place the lenses into the Progent case lens holders. Open vial A and B by twisting the cap and pour the contents into the Progent case. Replace the lid and tighten. Leave the lenses in the solution for 30 minutes, then remove and rinse thoroughly with saline.

An intensive cleaner like Menicon Progent cleans and maintains the wettability of your lenses. After rinsing the lenses, they can be worn following this protein clean or can be disinfected using your normal routine.

Rigid Contact Lenses