Are RGP Lenses a Good Choice for Dry Eyes?

If you’re living with dry eye syndrome, you already know how frustrating it can be to find the right vision correction option. Many people who struggle with dryness wonder whether rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses are a good solution.

RGP Lenses and Dry Eyes

RGP lenses are smaller than the cornea and allow tears and oxygen to circulate around the lens. This is beneficial for eye health in general, but for someone with dry eye syndrome, it can sometimes make the problem worse.

Because RGP lenses rest directly on the cornea, they can interact with areas that are already dry or irritated, leading to:

• Increased awareness of lens edges

• Fluctuating comfort throughout the day

• Difficulty wearing them for extended periods

For mild cases of dry eye, RGP lenses might still be manageable with supplemental artificial tears. However, for many patients, the dryness makes RGP wear uncomfortable and unsustainable.

Why Scleral Lenses May Be a Better Option

For patients with dry eye, scleral lenses are often a more comfortable and effective alternative. Unlike RGP lenses, scleral lenses are much larger and vault over the cornea, creating a smooth surface that rests on the white part of the eye (the sclera).

Scleral lenses form a fluid reservoir between the lens and the cornea, keeping the eye consistently hydrated throughout the day. This helps to:

• Relieve dryness and irritation

• Improve lens comfort

• Protect the cornea from exposure

• Provide sharp, stable vision

Scleral lenses are commonly recommended for patients with chronic dry eye, keratoconus, or corneal irregularities - and they’ve become one of the leading specialty lens solutions for improving both comfort and eye health.

Dry Eye Treatments Beyond Contact Lenses

Contact lenses aren’t the only way to manage dry eye syndrome. At Magic City Eyecare, we take a comprehensive approach, offering treatment options such as:

• Prescription eye drops to reduce inflammation and stimulate natural tear production

• In-office therapies to improve oil gland function and restore healthy tear balance

• Nutritional support and lifestyle recommendations to reduce environmental triggers

Together, these treatments can improve overall eye comfort and may expand your options when it comes to wearing contacts - whether that’s scleral lenses, RGP lenses, or another type of specialty lens.

Find Relief from Dry Eye at Magic City Eyecare

RGP lenses provide excellent vision and oxygen flow, but for those struggling with dry eye syndrome, they’re often not the most comfortable choice. Scleral lenses, with their built-in hydration system, can be life-changing for patients who want clear vision without constant irritation. Pairing specialty contact lenses with targeted dry eye treatments gives you the best chance for long-term comfort and healthy vision.

If you’ve been struggling to find comfortable contact lenses due to dry eyes, we can help. Schedule your consultation at Magic City Eyecare to find the right vision correction and dry eye relief plan for your lifestyle. Visit our office in Vestavia Hills, Alabama, or call (205) 506-2200 to book an appointment today.