Contact lenses · RGP
RGP contact lenses
The small, rigid lens that gives the sharpest vision of all.
The problem
What people tell us about rgp contact lenses.
- “Soft lenses never gave me sharp vision.”
- “I have high astigmatism.”
- “I was told I have early keratoconus.”
- “I want the sharpest vision I can get.”
Rigid lenses give sharper vision than any soft lens, and the first week or two is the only hard part.
Why us
Our optometrists fit and check every type of contact lens at all five practices.
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“The optician explained everything really clearly.”Patient survey
RGP
Who rgp contact lenses suit, and how they work
Who they suit
High or irregular astigmatism, keratoconus in its early stages, people whose soft lenses never gave sharp vision, and anyone whose eyes are healthier in a lens that lets more oxygen through.
How they work
A rigid gas-permeable lens is smaller than a soft lens and holds its shape on the eye, so it corrects irregularities a soft lens simply follows. The tear film fills the gap between lens and cornea and does the correcting. They last a year or more with care.
Honestly
They take a week or two to get used to; you feel them at first. Once you are used to them most wearers would not go back, because nothing else is as sharp. Fitting is more involved, and we say so.
Your options
Where RGP lenses sit among the rigid options
Every rgp option here is fitted at all five practices, and the fitting decides, with you.
Corneal RGP
The classic small rigid lens, sitting on the cornea. High astigmatism, early keratoconus, and anyone who wants the sharpest possible vision.
RGP multifocals
Rigid lenses with distance and near, for over-forties with astigmatism or high prescriptions.
Hybrid lenses
A rigid centre with a soft skirt: rigid-lens sharpness with soft-lens comfort, for people who cannot get on with a corneal RGP.
Mini-scleral and scleral
Larger rigid lenses that vault the cornea entirely, for keratoconus, irregular corneas and after surgery. Scleral lenses →
The plan
How it works
- 1Book a contact lens fitting
Thirty minutes with an optometrist, £95, to choose the right RGP lenses for your eyes and your days.
- 2Wear them for a week
We teach you to use and look after your RGP lenses, then you wear them in your real life.
- 3Checked, then ordered
A follow-up to check how your RGP lenses sit and feel. Only then do we order your supply.
Settle for a soft lens that never sharpens up, and you live with slightly blurred vision every day.
Get a rigid lens fitted properly, and you see more sharply than you thought possible.
Near you
Book at your nearest practice
RGP lenses are fitted at all five practices. Choose the one closest to you.
RGP contact lenses in Cheadle
Abra & Co, 19 Wilmslow Road, Cheadle SK8 1DW
Five minutes from Cheadle Hulme and Gatley, ten from Stockport and Didsbury, fifteen from Wilmslow.
RGP contact lenses in Heald Green
Ashworth Opticians, 214 Finney Lane, Heald Green SK8 3QA
Five minutes from Gatley, ten from Wythenshawe, fifteen from Sale and Altrincham.
RGP contact lenses in Middleton
Abra & Co, 36 Long Street, Middleton M24 6UQ
Eight minutes from Heywood, ten from Chadderton and Blackley, fifteen from Rochdale, Oldham and Prestwich.
RGP contact lenses in Winsford
Winsford Eye & Footcare, 27 Delamere Street, Winsford CW7 2LX
Ten minutes from Northwich and Middlewich, twenty from Knutsford, Crewe and Nantwich.
RGP contact lenses in Heckmondwike
Armitage Opticians, 14 Market Street, Heckmondwike WF16 0JU
Eight minutes from Cleckheaton, ten from Dewsbury, Batley and Mirfield, twenty from Morley.
Frequently asked questions
Do RGP lenses hurt?
They feel like something is there for the first days, then your lids stop noticing them. Nobody should be in pain; if you are, ring us.
How long do they last?
A year or more, cleaned nightly. We check them at your aftercare and replace them when they need it.
Are they the same as scleral lenses?
No. Scleral lenses are larger and vault over the cornea; they are for keratoconus and very irregular eyes. Scleral lenses →
What does the fitting cost?
£95, including the teaching and the follow-up check, with free trial lenses if you are new to lenses. Your lenses are then paid by monthly direct debit, from £11 a month, or per box.