Gas permeable contact lenses also known as oxygen permeable contact lenses are made of silicone and fluorine containing compounds meaning they wont attract protein nearly as much as other types of contact lenses. They are much easier to clean and last much longer than other lenses. For a lot of patients with high prescriptions or irregular corneas GP lenses are the preferred way to go. Be sure to ask if GP lenses are best for you.
Advantages of Gas Permeable Lenses
- Clear crisp vision. GP lenses provide sharper vision because they are custom made and they maintain their shape throughout the day. GP lenses also provide more stable and accurate vision for astigmatism.
- Traditionally GP lenses allow more oxygen to reach the front surface of the eye which reduces the risk of hypoxia.
- GP lenses are rigid and last longer. There’s no worry about ripping or tearing them. Since they’re long lasting GP lenses can be less expensive than soft lenses in they long run.
- In children GP lenses are used for orthokeratology which are specially designed contact lenses worn during sleep to reshape the cornea and improve vision.