|  7 Reasons for Fitting RGP Lenses One recent study comparing the spending habits of 100 soft lens patients over a 24 month period revealed that the annual revenue from RGP wearers was nearly twice that of soft lent patients. 2. RGP wearers remain far more loyal to your practice. This is especially true compared to disposable soft lens fittings. Since disposable lenses are replaced on a daily, weekly or biweekly basis, the perceived value of that product diminishes. Unfortunately, that perception of diminished product value translates to the fitter as well. Not only the lenses, but the doctor's office has become disposable. On the other hand, RGP prescriptions are rarely requested by those seeking an alternate lens supplier. Further, enhanced RGP fitting skills distinguishes your office as a true contact lens specialty practice that can custom design lenses to best suit the patients needs. RGP (versus soft lens) patients refer over two times as many new patients to your office. 3. RGP's provide better vision, as a result of better optics and surface wettability, fewer deposits, less parameter changes over the course of the day, and offer an unlimited range of cylinder correction. 4. RGP lenses are more versatile than soft lenses. Whether it is a 10-year old with progressive myopia (RGP slowing of myopia is no longer simply anecdotal), a 68-year old wishing to get rid of full time glasses wear, a patient with high astigmatism, GPC, seasonal allergies with dry eyes, post radial keratotomy, or keratoconus, RGP's can be recommended with the knowledge that it is the best option for that patient. 5. RGP lenses are safer for your patients. There is decreased neo vascularization, GPC, staining, ulcerative keratitis, and mycrocysts. Significantly, one study found that Acanthamoeba binds more readily to soft lenses that to RGP's thus causing greater risk of infection. RGP's deliver increased oxygen permeability as well. This helps those that are prone to hypoxic complications such as corneal edema or endothelial polymegethism. Finally, RGP lenses prevent the many peripheral corneal complications that often result from soft lens limbal compression. 6. RGP lenses are much easier for the patient to handle and care for. This is especially true as more and more contact lens practitioners are discouraging disposable lens extended wear. 7. RGP durability and the cost of product care solutions make RGP considerably more economical for the patient. © 2003 American Contact Lens Service, Inc. | |||||||||
