Particles Getting Behind rigid Contacts

ThaMaster · #1 (**permalink**) 12-10-2007, 12:39 PM

I was wondering why it seems that dust and dirt seems to get into RGP contacts more easily than with soft contacts. Is it because there's a tighter fit between the soft contact lens and the cornea than with the rigid contact lens?

nicholas · #2 (**permalink**) 12-15-2007, 01:46 AM

Yes, it is because of the fit. There are several reasons really, but most importantly is the fact that generally RGPs are smaller and move all about the cornea, so if there is a particle on the eye it will probably get under the lens. Soft lenses move very little and are much larger, so particles do not tend to get under them. Also, the soft hydrogel material is more flexible and forgiving; the lens may accommodate the dust/grime particle while the hard RGP will let you know it's there. This is the biggest downside of rigid contacts for me, but I've learned to just take them out or slide them off the cornea and flush the particle away.

ThaMaster · #3 (**permalink**) 12-19-2007, 09:56 AM

Thank you, Nicholas. I guess I didn't realize the gas perm lenses were smaller. I've never tried them so I guess I assumed that they were all the same.
One more question. When you say "take them out or slide them off the cornea" does that mean that you can get something out of your eye without removing your contact lens?

nicholas · #4 (**permalink**) 12-19-2007, 11:26 AM

Yes, hard (rigid) lenses have traditionally been much smaller than soft lenses (see below pic from www.rgpli.com that shows a standard corneal RGP lens). Currently there are fitters realizing that when they are made larger, they are often times more comfortable and the initial sensation of the lens awareness can be minimized. However, I'm glad I have small lenses because they are easy to put in/take out and clean! Mine, even though small, are more comfortable than any soft lens I've ever had.

Many times I am able to flush particles out from under the lens without removing it. Sometimes I slide the lens off of the cornea into the sclera, and other times I just move it around. If that doesn't work, it is pretty easy to pop out and remove the particle that way.