If glasses no longer give you clear, comfortable vision, a different type of contact lens may help. Rigid gas permeable lenses, usually called RGP or gas-permeable lenses, hold their shape on the eye. That can make them useful for keratoconus and other irregular corneas where an ordinary glasses prescription does not fully correct the distortion. 1
A corneal RGP is a smaller lens that sits on the cornea. It differs from a scleral lens, which is larger and vaults over the cornea. Both use rigid, oxygen-permeable materials; neither is automatically the best choice for every eye. 1
At Vision Camberwell Optometrists, we assess your corneal shape, trial suitable designs and check how the lens performs for you. The aim is good vision and a fit you can manage comfortably, with clear advice about adaptation, care and follow-up.
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How do RGP lenses improve vision?
The rigid lens and the tears beneath it create a more regular focusing surface in front of an uneven cornea. This can reduce distortion that glasses or conventional soft lenses leave uncorrected. However, scarring or other eye conditions can still limit the result. Some specialised soft lenses also work well in selected keratoconus eyes, so a rigid lens is not the only option. 1
“Gas permeable” means the material lets oxygen pass through. It does not mean unlimited wearing time or freedom from complications. Fit and care remain important. 2
Who may benefit from a custom corneal RGP?
We may consider a corneal RGP for keratoconus, irregular astigmatism, corneal scarring or an irregular cornea after surgery. The decision is based on the shape and health of the eye, the vision achieved with a trial lens and your ability to wear it. A diagnostic label or prescription number alone does not select the lens. 1,3
If you already wear an RGP but it moves excessively, feels less comfortable or no longer gives clear vision, bring it to your assessment. We can check whether the lens, its fit, or your eye has changed.
When might another lens design be preferable?
If a smaller lens will not sit reliably
A corneal RGP needs suitable positioning and movement. If it repeatedly decentres or dislodges, we may consider a different corneal design or a larger lens. A scleral lens has a different landing area and can be useful on an irregular eye where a smaller design does not work well. 1
If comfort limits your wearing time
It is not accurate to say that corneal RGPs are always quicker to become comfortable than scleral lenses. A randomised crossover trial in people already wearing corneal RGPs found higher average comfort scores with scleral lenses, but preferences differed between patients. A trial fitting helps us judge the trade off for you. 4
If a hybrid design is worth trialling
A hybrid lens combines a rigid optical centre with a soft outer skirt. It may be useful in selected eyes, but it still needs careful fitting and its own handling routine. We do not treat it as an automatic step between corneal and scleral lenses. Read more about hybrid contact lenses. 1
Read more about scleral lenses or explore our contact lens services. Our scleral lens fitting and fees page explains the scleral process.
What happens at an RGP fitting?
Assessment and corneal mapping
We ask about your vision, previous lenses and the activities that matter to you. We examine your eyes, measure your prescription and use corneal topography to map the surface. For keratoconus or suspected change, further imaging may be needed as part of your monitoring.
Trial lenses and a customised design
Trial lenses let us check vision, centring, movement and the relationship between the lens and cornea. We use those findings to select or customise the design. A lens can look promising on a scan yet need adjustment when assessed on the eye.
Learning to wear and care for the lens
We teach insertion, removal and the care routine before you take your lenses home. Some initial lens awareness can occur, and we will give you an individual wearing schedule. Adaptation should not mean enduring pain. Contact us if discomfort persists, vision is unstable or you cannot build useful wearing time.
Reviews allow us to refine the lens and check eye health. Bring specific examples such as blur after blinking, difficulty outdoors or discomfort late in the day, so we can investigate what is happening.
Cleaning, replacement and ongoing costs
Use the cleaning and disinfecting products recommended for your exact lens material and any surface coating. Some systems suit more than one rigid lens type, while others do not. Do not choose a solution simply because its label says “contact lenses”. Our RGP lens care guide covers the full routine. 7
Keep these habits consistent:
- Wash and dry your hands before handling lenses.
- Keep lenses away from tap water and saliva; remove them before showering or swimming.
- Use fresh, disinfecting solution, not a top up of yesterday’s solution.
- Clean and replace the case as instructed, and remove daytime RGP lenses before sleeping. 5
These daytime lenses are not an overnight OrthoK prescription.
Replacement depends on lens condition, deposits, fit and changes in your eye. Ask us about the assessment, fitting visits, lenses, replacement and ongoing care costs before proceeding. We will explain the plan that applies to your fitting rather than assume one lens price covers everything.
Your RGP assessment in Camberwell
Before your appointment:
- Bring current glasses, lenses, lens specifications and previous corneal scans if you have them.
- Tell us about surgery, crosslinking and any recent change in vision or comfort.
- Ask whether to wear your lenses to the visit or leave them out before imaging.
- Bring your cleaning products if you are unsure whether they suit your lenses.
Vision Camberwell Optometrists is at 784 Burke Road, Camberwell, in Melbourne’s inner east. We see patients from Hawthorn, Balwyn, Kew, Canterbury and across Australia. Consultations with Jue Wang are available in English and Mandarin.
Call 03 9882 5666 or contact our team to arrange an assessment. Mention keratoconus, a corneal graft or an existing rigid lens problem when booking.
Questions about RGP contact lenses
Are RGP lenses the same as hard contact lenses?
“Hard contact lenses” is often used informally to mean rigid lenses. Modern RGPs are made from oxygen-permeable materials. Ask which design and material are being recommended for your eye. 2
Do RGP lenses stop keratoconus progressing?
No. Their purpose is vision correction, not strengthening the cornea. Good vision with a lens does not replace keratoconus monitoring or assessment for treatment such as crosslinking when appropriate. 3
Should I persevere if a lens hurts?
No. Remove it and contact us promptly. Pain, redness, light sensitivity or a sudden reduction in vision needs urgent assessment, not a longer adaptation period. Do not reinsert the lens while waiting for advice. 6
Are RGP lenses cheaper than scleral lenses?
There is no reliable price comparison without knowing the fitting involved. Lens design, clinical complexity and follow up all affect the cost. We can explain suitable options and their costs after assessing your eye. For a side-by-side view of lens types, see our comparison of keratoconus contact lenses.
References
- Lim L, Lim EWL. Current perspectives in the management of keratoconus with contact lenses. Eye. 2020;34(12):2175–2196. doi:10.1038/s41433-020-1065-z.
- United States Food and Drug Administration. Types of Contact Lenses. Accessed 9 September 2026.
- Deshmukh R, et al. Management of keratoconus: an updated review. Frontiers in Medicine. 2023;10:1212314. doi:10.3389/fmed.2023.1212314.
- Levit A, Benwell M, Evans BJW. Randomised controlled trial of corneal vs. scleral rigid gas permeable contact lenses for keratoconus and other ectatic corneal disorders. Contact Lens and Anterior Eye. 2020;43(6):543–552. doi:10.1016/j.clae.2019.12.007.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Preventing Eye Infections When Wearing Contacts. Accessed 9 September 2026.
- United States Food and Drug Administration. Contact Lens Risks. Accessed 9 September 2026.
- United States Food and Drug Administration. Contact Lens Solutions and Products. Accessed 9 September 2026.
Reviewed by Dr Shonit Jagmohan, B.Optom (Hons), FIAOMC, IACMM, Ophthalmic Medicines Prescriber, Fellowship Chair for the International Academy of Orthokeratology and Myopia Control (Oceania). Last reviewed October 2026.
Visit us in Camberwell
T. (03) 9882 5666
E. vision@visioncamberwell.com.au
Find Us at:
784 Burke Rd, Camberwell
Victoria 3124, Australia
Opening Hours:
Monday, Tuesday and Friday. 9am – 6pm
Wednesday. 9am – 5pm
Thursday. 10.30am – 7.30pm
Saturday. CLOSED
Book your appointment with one of our friendly team members today
T: (03) 9882 5666
Serving Camberwell and the Surrounding South Eastern Suburbs
An independent practice in Camberwell since 1951, we are experts in specialty contact lenses, including custom RGP fittings for keratoconus and irregular corneas. We welcome patients from Hawthorn, Deepdene, Surrey Hills, Balwyn, Kew, Canterbury, Box Hill, Glen Iris, and across greater Melbourne.
