The right gas permeable contact lenses solution matters more than most people realize. Bacterial contamination, eye infections and damaged lenses can result from improper care and storage. Rigid gas permeable lenses are best stored in a dry contact lens case for long-term periods since solutions get contaminated over time. RGP lenses can last a year when managed to keep properly, unlike soft contacts.

This piece covers everything you need to know about rigid gas permeable contact lens solution types and how to store contact lenses correctly. You'll learn daily cleaning techniques, long-term storage methods and how to clean gas permeable contact lenses. Common problems to avoid are also included.

Understanding Rigid Gas Permeable Contact Lenses

What are RGP lenses

Rigid gas permeable lenses are made from firm, oxygen-permeable plastic polymers containing silicone. These materials allow oxygen to pass through and reach your cornea, which maintains eye health during wear. The lens surface stays smooth and uniform, so light passes through with minimal distortion.

RGP lenses differ substantially from the old hard contact lenses made of PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate) that were common decades ago. Those older lenses blocked oxygen transmission to your cornea and could cause serious discomfort and corneal health problems. Modern RGP lenses use advanced silicone-based polymers that are oxygen-permeable and allow your eyes to breathe while providing the benefits of a rigid lens design.

Each RGP lens is custom-made to match the unique shape and curvature of your cornea based on precise measurements taken during your fitting. This tailored approach will give better vision correction and comfort compared to standard-sized soft lenses. RGP lenses are smaller in diameter than soft lenses and cover only the cornea rather than extending onto the white of your eye. They float on a thin layer of tears and shift with each blink, which helps deliver fresh oxygen and flush away debris.

How RGP lenses differ from soft contact lenses

The core difference comes down to rigidity versus flexibility. RGP materials do not absorb water, which means they resist protein and lipid deposits better than soft lenses. This deposit resistance translates to cleaner lenses and a lower risk of eye infections.

Your RGP lenses maintain a consistent shape on your eye and create a tear layer between the lens and your cornea that acts as a liquid lens. This smooths out minor irregularities in your corneal surface for exceptional visual clarity. Soft lenses conform to the shape of your cornea and can fluctuate in shape and clarity if they start to dry out.

The oxygen transmission works differently with each lens type. Silicone hydrogel soft lenses have substantially improved oxygen transmission compared to older hydrogel materials, but well-fitted RGP lenses still allow excellent oxygen flow because of their smaller size and tear exchange beneath the lens. Gas permeable lenses hold their shape and move on your eye with each blink. This pumps oxygen-containing tears under the lens. Soft lenses have minimal movement with blinks, so little or no tears circulate under them.

RGP lenses take longer to adapt to than soft contacts. You may need several days or even a few weeks before you feel comfortable wearing them all day, compared to several days for soft contacts. But many people find RGP lenses more comfortable than soft contact lenses once adapted, as they're less likely to accumulate protein deposits from your tear film.

How long do RGP lenses last

RGP lenses are substantially more durable than soft lenses. A single pair can last one to two years or longer before needing replacement with proper care and handling. Some sources indicate RGP lenses can last up to three years with proper maintenance, though most are replaced yearly due to scratches on the lens surface during normal handling.

This durability can offset the higher upfront cost of RGP lenses. Soft lenses are designed for disposal on a daily, biweekly, or monthly schedule, but your RGP lenses maintain their shape and optical quality for extended periods. They resist tearing, do not dry out or lose moisture, and keep providing sharp vision.

Regular six-monthly checks help ensure your lenses are fitting safely, providing clear vision, and remaining comfortable. As long as these conditions are met, there is no need to change them. Note that your RGP lenses may last longer than the stability of your refraction. Your contact lens prescription might change before your lenses wear out.

Types of Contact Lens Solutions for Gas Permeable Lenses

Gas permeable (GP) contact lenses require a proper cleaning and disinfection routine to keep them comfortable and safe to wear. Because GP lenses are made from rigid, oxygen-permeable materials, they may need different care products and procedures than soft contact lenses.

Using a solution that is not intended for GP lenses may leave deposits on the lens surface, reduce comfort, or fail to provide adequate disinfection. Understanding the main types of contact lens solutions can help you build a care routine that works with your lenses and your eye care professional's recommendations.

Multipurpose Solutions for RGP Lenses

Multipurpose solutions combine several steps of lens care in a single product. Depending on the formulation, they can be used to clean, rinse, disinfect, condition, and store rigid gas permeable lenses.

During cleaning, rubbing the lens with the recommended solution helps loosen protein, oil, and other deposits from the surface. The lens is then rinsed and placed in fresh solution for disinfection and conditioning.

Conditioning ingredients can help maintain moisture on the lens surface, which may improve wearing comfort. Always follow the soaking time specified on the product label. Many GP multipurpose solutions require several hours of soaking to complete the disinfection process.

Because formulations vary, your eye care professional may recommend a specific multipurpose solution based on your lens material, wearing habits, and sensitivity to preservatives.

Two-Step Cleaning Systems

Two-step systems use separate products for cleaning and disinfecting or conditioning your GP lenses.

The first solution is designed specifically to remove surface deposits. You typically place a small amount on the lens and gently rub it with your fingertips for the recommended amount of time before rinsing thoroughly.

After cleaning, the lens is placed in a second solution for disinfection and overnight storage. Separating these functions allows the cleaning formula to focus on removing deposits while the storage solution handles disinfection and conditioning.

This type of routine can be useful for GP wearers who experience significant protein or debris buildup. However, the exact cleaning and soaking instructions depend on the products being used.

Hydrogen Peroxide Solutions

Hydrogen peroxide-based solutions provide another option for disinfecting GP lenses. These systems generally contain hydrogen peroxide at a concentration designed for contact lens disinfection and are often available in preservative-free formulations.

Hydrogen peroxide can effectively disinfect lenses against a broad range of microorganisms. However, it must be completely neutralized before the lenses are placed in your eyes.

Special lens cases supplied with these systems contain a neutralizing component that converts hydrogen peroxide into a much less reactive solution during the required soaking period. Never put GP lenses directly into your eyes after soaking them in unneutralized hydrogen peroxide.

Follow the full neutralization time stated on the product instructions. Skipping this step can cause intense burning, irritation, and potentially serious damage to the eye.

If you use a hydrogen peroxide system, follow the manufacturer's cleaning, rinsing, soaking, and neutralization instructions exactly.

Saline Solution for Rinsing

Saline is primarily used for rinsing contact lenses. It generally contains sterile saline and does not contain the disinfecting agents required to kill microorganisms.

This means saline should not be used as a substitute for a proper GP lens disinfecting solution. Storing lenses overnight in plain saline does not provide adequate disinfection.

Depending on your care routine, saline may be useful for rinsing lenses after cleaning or for removing cleaning solution before the lenses are disinfected. Preservative-free saline is also available in convenient single-use containers.

Always check the product label to make sure the saline is intended for your specific type of contact lens.

Protein Removal Cleaners

Protein and other tear-film deposits can gradually accumulate on GP lenses. If these deposits are not removed, they may affect lens comfort, vision, and wearing time.

Protein removal products are designed to provide deeper cleaning than a standard daily cleaning routine. Some use enzymatic ingredients, while others rely on specialized chemical formulations to break down or remove deposits.

The frequency of protein removal varies from person to person. Some GP wearers may benefit from periodic deep cleaning, while others may need it more frequently because of heavy deposit buildup.

After using a dedicated protein removal product, rinse the lenses thoroughly and follow the recommended disinfection procedure before wearing them again.

How to Choose the Right Solution for GP Lenses

There is no single contact lens solution that is ideal for every GP wearer. Your choice may depend on several factors, including:

• Lens material: Different GP lens materials may have specific care requirements.
• Deposit buildup: People who experience frequent protein or lipid deposits may need additional cleaning.
• Eye sensitivity: Some wearers may be sensitive to certain preservatives or ingredients.
• Cleaning routine: Multipurpose systems may offer convenience, while two-step systems provide separate cleaning and conditioning stages.
• Professional recommendation: Your optometrist or ophthalmologist can recommend products compatible with your lenses.

Tips for Caring for Gas Permeable Lenses

A consistent cleaning routine is essential for keeping GP lenses comfortable and reducing the risk of eye problems.

• Wash and dry your hands before handling your lenses.
• Use only solutions recommended for your GP lenses.
• Rub and rinse the lenses according to the product instructions.
• Use fresh solution each time you store your lenses.
• Never reuse old solution or top off solution in the lens case.
• Keep the lens case clean and replace it as recommended.
• Never use tap water to clean or store your contact lenses.
• Follow the recommended replacement and wearing schedule for your lenses.
• Stop wearing your lenses and contact an eye care professional if you experience persistent redness, pain, unusual discharge, or sudden changes in vision.

How to Store Gas Permeable Contact Lenses

Storage methods for RGP lenses depend on how often you wear them. The approach is different by a lot between occasional wear and daily use. Each method addresses specific concerns about contamination and lens readiness.

Dry storage method for long-term

Rigid gas permeable lenses are best stored in a dry contact lens case if not worn for a long period of time. Solutions get contaminated with bacteria or other infectious agents over time, so long-term storage in solution is not a good idea.

Clean your lenses really well and rinse them with saline. Allow them to air dry before placing them in their case without solution. This method prevents bacterial growth that occurs when lenses sit in solution for extended periods.

You must re-clean and disinfect them before wearing dry-stored lenses again. Use lens cleaner and then a saline rinse before placing them in your eye after removing from the dry case. Dry-stored lenses should be soaked in a wetting solution before application. This prompts the tear film to spread more easily and evenly over the lens, enhancing comfort and improving vision.

Wet storage for daily use

Store your rigid gas permeable contact lenses in a clean case with fresh solution if you wear them regularly. Fill your storage case with conditioning solution and place the lens into the correct side of the storage case. This solution must be changed on a daily basis.

Lenses stored wet are best for immediate use. Lenses stored dry require less maintenance. Use solutions like Tangible Clean, Boston Simplus, or Unique pH for ongoing wet storage. Fill the case with fresh solution and let your lenses sit and clean overnight.

How long can you keep contacts in solution

You should change your disinfecting solution at least once every 30 days if your contacts are sitting in a case. You must change the solution every month for lenses stored wet long-term and never just top-off the solution. Take lenses out and give them a quick rub and rinse with the cleaning solution. Replace them in a new case with fresh solution.

Set a calendar alert to check the lenses every month for solution evaporation. Hydrogen peroxide solutions cannot be used to store lenses for more than seven days since there is no preservative once the hydrogen peroxide is neutralized.

Where to store your contact lens case

Store your lens case in a cool, dark place. Contact lens cases should be allowed to air dry open side down on a clean surface when not in use. Cases should be replaced every three months. Your contact lens case should be scrubbed with a dedicated clean toothbrush on a weekly basis with saline then left to air dry.

Step-by-Step Cleaning Process for RGP Lenses

Proper cleaning extends the life of your RGP lenses and prevents eye infections. The process requires specific steps performed in the correct order, with attention to timing and technique.

Daily cleaning after removal

Wash your hands really well with soap and dry with a lint-free towel before handling your lenses. Sterile technique prevents transferring bacteria or oils to your lens surface. Remove one lens at a time to avoid mixing them up. Place the lens in your palm and apply 2-4 drops of RGP-specific cleaning solution. Never use tap water. It contains Acanthamoeba microorganisms that cause severe, painful infections.

Proper rubbing technique

Rub the lens gently but firmly with your little finger or fingertip for 10 to 30 seconds. Use a back-and-forth motion or gentle circular motion on both sides of the lens. This physical action removes oils and proteins from the lens surface. The back surface works best when cleaned by moving your thumb across the concave side.

Rinsing with saline solution

Rinse the lens with sterile saline solution after rubbing. Rub the lens between your thumb and forefinger to remove loosened debris and remaining cleaning solution. Direct a steady stream of saline onto both sides of the lens for at least 5 seconds.

Disinfecting and conditioning overnight

Fill your storage case with fresh conditioning solution and place the lens into the correct side. This solution must be changed daily. Never top off or reuse old solution. Soak lenses for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Weekly deep cleaning routine

Use enzymatic tablets or liquid protein removers weekly to dissolve stubborn deposits. Progent requires a 30-minute soak. If you have oily tear film, add a lipid-removing solution to your routine.

Case hygiene and replacement

Scrub your contact lens case with a dedicated clean toothbrush on a weekly basis with saline, then air dry. Replace the case monthly to prevent bacterial buildup.

Common Storage and Solution Problems

Why contact lens solutions get contaminated

Contamination risks persist even with careful handling. More than half of lenses harbor microorganisms after removal from the eye, almost exclusively bacteria. Storage cases show similarly high contamination rates, with over 50% testing positive for microbial bioburden. All types of care solutions can become contaminated, including up to 30% of preserved products.

Topping off solution instead of replacing it completely reduces disinfection effectiveness and allows bacterial films to form. Polymer films can develop on bottle tips, caps and cases under certain conditions and protect organisms from disinfectants. Your case needs proper cleaning. Without it, biofilms form and shield bacteria from your disinfecting solution.

Cloudy or uncomfortable lenses

Protein buildup from your tears accumulates on lens surfaces over time and forms a thin film that makes them cloudy. This happens more frequently if you wear lenses for extended periods without proper cleaning. Deposits from cleaning solutions can also leave residue if you skip proper rinsing.

Scratches and chips from mishandling cause cloudiness. Old or expired lenses become less clear over time and signal replacement need.

Solution evaporation during storage

Stored lenses need monthly checks for evaporation. If solution levels drop, moisture loss can damage your lenses permanently.

Preparing stored lenses for wear

Lens cleaner and saline rinse should be used before inserting dry-stored lenses. Wet-stored lenses kept beyond 30 days need cleaning and disinfection with fresh solution overnight before wearing.

Conclusion

Care and storage of your gas permeable contact lenses will protect your eye health and extend lens life substantially. Choosing the right solution to meet your needs, whether multipurpose or hydrogen peroxide systems, matters. Daily cleaning with the right rubbing technique removes deposits that cause discomfort. Correct storage methods prevent contamination.

Your RGP lenses represent a substantial investment. Dry storage works best for occasional wear. Daily solution changes keep lenses ready if you wear them often. Replace your case monthly and never reuse old solution. Follow the cleaning steps consistently. Your lenses can last one to two years or longer with these practices and deliver sharp vision and comfort throughout their lifespan.