Caring for Rigid Gas Permeable or
RGP Contact Lenses

By Nancy Del Pizzo; updates by Gary Heiting, OD;
reviewed by Edward S. Bennett, OD

Rigid gas permeable (RGP or GP) contact lenses generally provide sharper vision and last longer than the soft types of contact lenses.

Custom-made from a rigid oxygen-permeable material (usually a combination of silicone and fluorine), GP lenses are more resistant to proteins and other deposits, making them easy to keep clean.

Over time, however, even RGP (or GP) lenses will become scratched and dirty and will need replacement.

To keep your GP lenses comfortable and your eyes healthy, be sure to follow your eye care professional's instructions for cleaning your GP lenses and for routine lens replacements.

GP Lens Care Systems

It is very important to use the lens care system that your eye care professional recommends for GP lenses. Lens care systems for GP lenses are similar to those for soft lenses, and usually consist of either:

• A combination disinfecting/storage solution and a cleaning solution or
• A single bottle of multi-purpose solution for cleaning, disinfecting and storage.

In the past GP lenses often were rinsed with tap water after cleaning. Your GP care system's enclosed leaflet might still say to do it this way, because this was the system originally approved by the FDA.

But now doctors recommend against this practice, because microorganisms in tap water can cause eye infections. Depending on the system, rinsing should be done with multi-purpose solution or sterile saline. Never rinse your GP lenses in tap water.

GP Lens Cleaning Steps

Follow these steps to care for your GP lenses after each wearing period:

Rinsing your contact lenses with water can actually make them uncomfortable to wear. Tap water also contains microorganisms that cause eye infections.

1. Thoroughly wash and dry your hands.
2. Start with your right lens. Remove it and place it in the palm of your hand.
3. Apply a few drops of cleaning solution (or multi-purpose solution, if that's what you're using). Gently rub the lens using a back-and-forth motion.
4. Rinse the lens. Gently rub the lens with your index finger, and then rinse again.
5. Store the lens in a clean case filled with fresh storage solution.
6. Repeat this process for your left lens.

In some cases, your eye care professional may also recommend adding an enzymatic cleaner to your regular lens care regimen to help remove protein deposits. This is typically prescribed anywhere from every night to weekly.

You also may choose to use a rewetting solution as you wear your lenses. These solutions act as a lubricant to increase the comfort of your GP lenses.

Clean Your GP Lens Case

It's also important to clean, rinse and air-dry your contact lens case after each use. Some eye care professionals recommend using the multi-purpose lens care solution, not water, for this process.

Because cases can become contaminated easily and serve as an environment for bacteria and other organisms, you should replace them at minimum intervals of every three months and preferably every month.

Watch this very helpful Flash video on how to apply, remove and clean your GP lenses. (Video courtesy of the Contact Lens Manufacturers Association. For more information, please visit the CLMA's website.)

Many care solutions designed for soft lenses cannot be used on GP lenses. Do not switch solutions or use a product that was not recommended by your eye care professional.

Using generic or store brands, for example, can be a problem. These solutions may be inappropriate for your specific GP lens material and may cause redness, burning and possibly an eye infection.

Taking proper care of your GP contact lenses will increase the comfort and lifetime of your lenses, reduce the risk of eye health problems and keep your lens-wearing experience pleasant and worry-free.

For more information, visit the GP contact lenses educational website provided by the Contact Lens Manufacturers Association.

[Page updated December 2008]