RGP bifocal contact lenses are a new generation of lenses for people who would normally wear bifocals.
This may be news to you as there are a large number of people who wear bifocal glasses and have no idea there is even such a thing as bifocal contacts.
There have been so many advances in the lens industry that you not only have bifocal contacts but there are also colored bifocal contacts, lenses for dry eyes, lenses with UV protection and even daily or monthly disposable lenses…the options are seemingly endless.
As a bifocal contact lens wearer a key decision you will have to make is whether you want to wear soft bifocal lenses or RGPs.
RGP stands for “rigid gas permeable”. These contacts are also known as “gas permeable” or “oxygen permeable”.
Don’t confuse RGP with those old-fashioned hard lenses that truly deserved their bad reputation because they were so uncomfortable to wear.
Hard lenses used to be made from a stiff plastic material that didn’t let any oxygen in. The eye couldn’t breathe and this caused all sorts of problems and discomfort. These kind of hard lenses are now outdated.
the difference is RGP bifocal contacts are made of a silicone which actually does allow oxygen to reach the eye. In fact more oxygen than even some soft contact lenses.
Still there is some debate and differences of opinion on RGP bifocal lenses.
Granted RGPs do take some getting used to and for that you will have to wear them regularly. Once you do though RGPs can be worn comfortably for longer stretches of time than even soft contact lenses.
One thing that no one disputes though is the crisp, clear vision you get with RGPs.
Basically if you are willing to put up for a bit with the rigidity of RGP bifocal lenses until you get used to them you will benefit in the end with longevity, comfort and clearer sight.