Houston Eye Associates is proud to have seven optometrists specializing in fitting rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses. Those optometrists are Dr. Haleh Ebrahimi, Dr. Clint Gonzales, Dr. Megan Heany, Dr. Matthew Lahmeyer, Dr. Michelle Levin, and Dr. Mary Morales.
Rigid Gas Permeable (or hard) lenses are used in various applications but are often utilized when soft contact lenses are not recommended. There are several reasons why hard contact lenses might be recommended, including limited availability of the patient's prescription, surgical history, better vision potential, and patient preference. There are many lenses available in the RGP arena, and each variety requires a different fitting approach.
Applying Your GP Lens
With your right lens on your right index finger, ensure your GP lens is clean and defects-free.
Place several drops of wetting solution into the bowl of the lens. Never use tap water or saliva!
Use both hands to hold your upper and lower eyelids. Keep both eyes open, looking straight ahead.
Gently place the lens onto the center of the colored part of your eye, then release your eyelids.
GP Lens Centering
If your lens moves off-center and needs to be re-aligned on your eye:
-
Locate your contact lens by looking in the mirror or feel for the outline of the lens through your closed eyelid.
-
Look in the opposite direction. For example, if the lens is under your upper eyelid, look down.
-
Use your fingertips to place the edge of your eyelid next to the edge of the lens and nudge it back into position as you shift your gaze toward the lens.
Removing your GP Lens: There are two common methods for lens removal.
Method One: Gently blink the GP Lens out of your eye.
-
Place your middle finger in the outer corner of your eyelid.
-
Look straight ahead. Gently, but firmly pull straight back, pulling the edges of your eyelid, tightly against your eye.
-
Blink hard and your lens will pop out. Catch the lends in your left hand, or let it fall onto a flat surface covered with a clean towel.
Method Two: Gently remove the GP lens from your eye.
Place your right middle finger tight against your right upper eyelid, pinning back the lashes.
Place your left middle and index finger tight against your bottom eyelid, pinning it against the eye. Next, you have two options:
-
Pull your eyelids away from your nose, keeping your eyelids against your eye, or
-
Push your eyelids toward each other keeping the eyelids against the eye.
>>> Click here for instructional videos on inserting and removing your RGP contact lenses. >>>
Caring For Your GP Lenses
- After removing your lenses, clean them immediately to remove mucus, protein, and debris that build up on the surface during the day.
- Place the lens in your palm and apply a few drops of a cleaning solution recommended by your eye care professional. Gently rub the lens in a circular motion with your ring finger, not rubbing the lens too hard.
- Rinse the cleaner off with an approved lens rinsing solution.
- Fill the case with fresh conditioning / disinfecting storage solution to protect your lenses overnight.
- Use fresh solution each time you clean and store your GP lenses.
- After each use, rub the inside of your case with clean fingers for five to ten seconds, rinse with a fresh disinfecting solution, and wipe dry with a clean cloth. Place the empty case face-down in a clean, dry area with the caps off. Replace your storage case monthly.
Special Instructions
The type of soap used to wash your hands is very important. Always dry your hands thoroughly before touching your lenses. Only use soaps that DO NOT contain:
- lotion, cream, or perfume
- deodorant
- artificial coloring
When drying your hands, always use a clean lint-free towel. Your eye care professional can advise you on which soaps are best to use.
Avoid lens mix-ups. Always start with the same contact lens when you apply, remove, and clean your lenses.
Read carefully. Every care system has its own care regimen. Carefully follow the directions provided by your eye care professional to avoid problems.
Your eye care professional may recommend an additional weekly cleaning step to help prevent protein deposits from accumulating on your lenses.
Houston Eye Associates offers the LATEST in contact lens technology promising you the best of the best contact lenses on the market. We offer soft contact lenses, rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses, hybrid contact lenses, scleral contact lenses, and more.
Quality of Service
Houston Eye Associates believes that experience, quality of service, and reputation is the foundation of quality care for our patients. We take pride in delivering exceptional patient care and actively follow our mission of “Providing a lifetime of excellent, compassionate eye care.
When you purchase from Houston Eye Associates, you are supporting a locally-owned business. We appreciate your business. We care about you and your eyes.
Vision is one of our most precious senses and should only be trusted to the best. Visit a Houston Eye Associates optical shop today!
