RGP vs Soft Contact Lenses in Australia: What You Should Know
29th Oct 2025
Australia’s climate is hard on contact lens wearers — dry heat, dust, wind, and air-conditioning all affect eye comfort. Most Australians wear soft lenses, but a smaller group rely on rigid gas permeable (RGP) designs for complex prescriptions.
This article explains when each lens type makes sense, what they cost locally, and how Australian conditions shape the experience.
What They’re Made Of
Soft contact lenses are made from hydrogel or silicone hydrogel — flexible materials that absorb water and fit naturally against the cornea. They’re comfortable from the first wear but can dry out faster in heat or low humidity.
Rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses are firm, oxygen-permeable plastics that keep their shape on the eye. That rigidity provides sharper optics and consistent focus, but it also means they take time to adapt to.
RGP vs Soft Contact Lenses Quick Comparison
A quick comparison of key features between rigid gas-permeable (RGP) and soft contact lenses.
| Feature | RGP Lenses | Soft Lenses |
|---|---|---|
| Vision sharpness | Very high | Consistent for daily wear |
| Comfort | Takes adjustment | Comfortable immediately |
| Durability | 1–2 years | Days to months |
| Cost over time | Lower | Higher |
| Maintenance | More cleaning | Simple routine |
| Best for | Dry or windy areas, precise vision | Mild climates, convenience |
Tip: RGP lenses typically provide sharper optics, while soft lenses are preferred for convenience and comfort. Your optometrist can help determine which type suits your eyes best.
Vision and Stability
RGP lenses maintain their curvature regardless of blinking or tear film changes, producing precise, stable vision. They’re ideal for people who require accuracy beyond what soft lenses can provide - high astigmatism, irregular corneas, or post-surgical eyes.
Soft lenses flex slightly and follow the shape of the eye, which can lead to minor variations in focus but still suits most wearers who prioritise comfort over absolute sharpness.
Comfort and Adaptation
Soft lenses are instantly comfortable and easy to wear all day. RGP lenses take a week or two for your eyelids and corneal nerves to adapt. Once that happens, RGPs can remain comfortable even in dry or windy environments, while soft lenses may need rewetting drops or shorter wear times.
For Australians who spend long hours outdoors or in air-conditioned offices, silicone hydrogel soft lenses offer the best mix of comfort and breathability.
Durability and Upkeep
RGP lenses are durable — one pair can last up to two years with daily cleaning and correct storage. They resist tearing and deformation but demand consistent hygiene.
Soft lenses are disposable. They come in daily, fortnightly, and monthly versions. Dailies are the most hygienic and popular in warm Australian climates because they minimise dehydration and cleaning time.
Cost and Availability in Australia
RGPs cost more upfront because they’re custom-made and require a professional fitting. Over time, they usually work out cheaper.
Soft lenses are cheaper to start but require ongoing replacements, increasing the yearly expense. Contact lenses are available from registered Australian optometrists, optical chains, and verified online retailers.
Eye exams are often bulk billed under Medicare, and private health extras may cover part of the lens cost.
Specialty Contact Lens Options
These lens designs are used for more complex visual needs or specific therapeutic goals.
| Lens Type | Used For | Why It’s Prescribed |
|---|---|---|
| Corneal GP Lenses | High astigmatism, mild keratoconus, post-surgical corneal irregularities | Provide a smooth optical surface that corrects distorted corneas. |
| Scleral Lenses | Severe dry eye, advanced keratoconus, irregular corneas | Vault over the cornea and hold a fluid reservoir that hydrates and protects the eye. |
| Hybrid Lenses | Need for RGP-level clarity but better comfort | Combine an RGP centre for vision quality with a soft skirt for comfort. |
| Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) | Myopia management, mild astigmatism | Worn overnight to reshape the cornea, offering clear daytime vision without glasses or lenses. |
RGP lenses extend beyond standard vision correction. Because they’re custom-designed for each eye, they can handle complex optical and corneal conditions that soft lenses can’t.
These advanced designs are only fitted by Australian optometrists trained in specialty lens care. They’re prescribed when soft lenses can’t meet clinical or comfort needs.
RGP fittings include corneal topography, trial lenses, and multiple review visits to ensure proper alignment and oxygen flow.
Popular Soft Contact Lens Products in Australia
A selection of commonly prescribed soft lenses with key comfort and performance features.
| Product | Material | Wear Schedule | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dailies Total 1 | Silicone hydrogel | Daily | Water-gradient design for comfort and oxygen flow. |
| Precision 1 | Silicone hydrogel | Daily | Stable hydration and consistent clarity. |
| 1-Day Acuvue Moist | Hydrogel | Daily | Moisture-lock design is ideal for sensitive eyes. |
| Acuvue Oasys | Silicone hydrogel | Fortnightly | Extended wear and high oxygen performance. |
| Biofinity | Silicone hydrogel | Monthly | Breathable, flexible design for long wear times. |
| Air Optix Plus HydraGlyde | Silicone hydrogel | Monthly | Combines moisture technology with durable clarity. |
Note: Your optometrist will confirm which lens offers the best fit, comfort, and eye health for you.
Soft lenses remain the standard for most wearers due to convenience and adaptability. The following brands are widely prescribed across Australia and stocked through Lensworld.com.au
These lenses cover daily, fortnightly, and monthly wear cycles, giving flexibility for comfort, budget, and hygiene preferences.
Soft lenses usually need a shorter fitting process but still require follow-up visits every 6–12 months.
The Bottom Line
RGP lenses deliver sharper vision, excellent oxygen flow, and better long-term value — best for people who prioritise precision and stability.
Soft contact lenses provide convenience, easy handling, and instant comfort — ideal for new or occasional wearers.
Your optometrist is the key to choosing the right type for your eyes, budget, and climate.
With proper fitting and care, either lens type can give you clear, comfortable, and healthy vision all year round.
Sources:
β https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK234115
β https://www.nature.com/articles/eye2008307
β https://clspectrum.com/issues/2012/march/gp-versus-soft-lenses-is-one-safer/
β https://uihc.org/health-topics/soft-vs-rigid-contact-lenses
β https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7321943/
β https://clspectrum.com/issues/2022/august/scleral-lenses-versus-corneal-gp-
lenses