RGP Contact Lenses?!

RGP Contact Lenses?

I am doing research on contacts because I want to get them. I'll be going to the doctor's soon enough, but I want some knowledge before I do. I'm leaning towards RGP, but I'd like some input.

I'm 13 and turning 14 in 6 months. Besides astigmatism, I do not have any serious eye conditions, weak eye muscles, or excessive redness or irritation. I use the computer 2-3 hours a day.

The biggest reason I want RGP is because it CORRECTS VISION. That is a huggeee plus. However, does it improve vision for /all/ eyes, or at least most?

I do know that RGP lenses can be uncomfortable. Just how uncomfortable are they? Do they actually hurt? Are there ones that are more comfortable, and if not, are there drops available that help a lot? I don't mind a small awareness, but I'd prefer them not to hurt.

How much can it cost to get a pair of good RGP lenses?

Any other input on the advantages and disadvantages of RGP lenses from wearers, ex-wearers and eye doctors will be great. :)

4 weeks ago
By "correcting vision", I mean that it leaves permanent results and heals your eyes. :P

Rigid gas permeable contacts do not CORRECT your vision. What they do do, is slow down the deterioration of your vision.

They are uncomfortable compared to soft lenses and can take months to get used to. RGP lenses work by floating on your cornea. Soft lenses sit directly on the cornea. I've tried on a pair of RGP's before and they were awful.

To tell you the truth, I don't really know any OD's that prescribe these types of lenses for just any patient. I've seen them prescribe them to people who have large changes in their prescriptions every year, to try to slow down the process. Also, people with kerataconus (a thinning and steepening of the cornea) wear these types of lenses. So unless there is an underlying problem, the doctor's that I've worked with only prescribed them for those types of cases. Occasionally, you have the person who's been wearing RGP's for 20 years and they don't want to switch to soft lenses. RGP's are definitely easier to handle because they are like small hard plastic discs that are about the size of a pencil eraser. They aren't as fragile so they don't tear, BUT, they can break. They can also spontaneously pop-out more often. They are specially made for the patient and usually run between $150-$225 for one pair. They are ALWAYS a special order lens. These aren't the type that they would be able to pull from stock if you lose or break one. With soft contacts there is a "small awareness"...with RGP lenses, you will DEFINITELY feel them in there until you almost wear up a callous under your eyelids from them. Like I said, they take a while to get used to...

Talk to your doctor...he may not feel that RGP's are right for you...

There are contacts called Ortho-K lenses that work by re-shaping the cornea while you sleep. You wear them at night, and take them out in the morning and it lasts just about all day. Not all Optometrist's are licensed to fit these and they cost between $800-$1000 for both eyes.