The case against rigid contact lenses

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Optometry
• Contact Lens Technology

Background:

• Rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses were a cornerstone of contact lens practice for many years.
• The introduction of soft contact lenses in the 1970s initiated a significant shift in the market.
• Currently, RGP lenses represent less than 10% of all new contact lens fittings worldwide.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the international decline in rigid lens fitting.
• To explore the reasons behind this decreasing trend in RGP lens prescriptions.
• To discuss the future outlook for rigid contact lenses in clinical practice.

Main Methods:

• This is a discussion article, not an experimental study.
• It involves an examination of existing trends and practitioner perceptions.
• Analysis of the historical context of rigid versus soft lens adoption.

Main Results:

• Rigid lens fitting has experienced a continuous decline since the advent of soft lenses.
• A perception exists among practitioners that rigid lenses are only for specialized cases.
• The market share for new rigid lens fits has fallen below 10% globally.

Conclusions:

• The decline in rigid lens fitting is a significant trend in optometry and ophthalmology.
• Misconceptions or a lack of perceived necessity contribute to the decreased prescription of rigid lenses.
• The article predicts the potential obsolescence of rigid contact lenses by the year 2010.