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Hard vs Soft Contact Lenses: What New Zealand Wearers Should Know

29th Oct 2025

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Contact lenses have become more advanced than ever, with materials that keep eyes healthy and comfortable for long hours. Still, the question remains for many New Zealand wearers: should you choose hard lenses (rigid gas permeable, or RGP) or soft lenses?

Both types are available in New Zealand through optometrists and authorised suppliers. and the right choice depends on how your eyes behave, your lifestyle, and your ability to care for them properly.

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How Contact Lenses Affect Your Eyes

The cornea, the clear front surface of your eye, has no blood vessels. It gets oxygen through the tear film and the lens material. Oxygen flow is measured by the Dk/t value. If this is too low, the cornea can swell or thin, causing redness or irritation.

Rigid gas-permeable (RGP) lenses allow much more tear exchange with every blink, about 10-15 percent, compared with less than 2 percent for soft lenses. This tear movement helps carry oxygen to the cornea and wash away deposits.

A study published in Eye found that older low-oxygen soft lenses led to corneal surface thinning, while high-oxygen materials maintained healthier tissue. That’s one reason newer silicone-hydrogel soft lenses now dominate the market.

Hard vs Soft Contact Lenses (quick comparison)

Below are common eye care scenarios and the lens types typically recommended.

Situation Recommended Lens Type Why It Works Best
Irregular cornea or keratoconus Rigid gas-permeable (RGP) or scleral Holds shape for precise vision and stability on uneven corneas.
Normal cornea, everyday wear Soft daily disposable Comfortable, hygienic, and convenient for daily replacement.
Dry or sensitive eyes High-Dk silicone hydrogel Allows more oxygen and moisture, reducing dryness and redness.
Sport or outdoor activity Soft daily Secure fit that resists dislodging, with simple single-use hygiene.
Long-term cost management Rigid gas-permeable (RGP) Higher upfront cost, but long lifespan and consistent performance.

Note: Always consult your optometrist to ensure the best lens type for your eyes and lifestyle.

Hard Contact Lenses (Rigid Gas Permeable / RGP)

RGP lenses are made from firm, oxygen-permeable polymers that hold their shape on the eye. Because they don’t flex, they provide a smooth and consistent optical surface.

Advantages

  • Deliver sharp, stable vision, especially for astigmatism, keratoconus, or post-surgical corneas
  • Durable and long-lasting; typically replaced every one to two years
  • Allow excellent oxygen flow and tear exchange
  • Associated with lower rates of infection than soft lenses when properly cared for 

Considerations

  • Require an adaptation period of about one to two weeks
  • Can dislodge more easily during contact sports or windy conditions
  • Must be cleaned and stored carefully each day

Specialty Applications of RGP Contact Lenses

RGP lenses are custom-made for each eye and used in specialised applications where soft lenses cannot provide the same precision or stability.

RGP Application What It Corrects Key Benefit Over Soft Lenses
Corneal GP Lenses High astigmatism, mild keratoconus, post-surgical corneal irregularities Creates a perfectly smooth optical surface for sharper, more stable vision.
Scleral Lenses Severe dry eye, advanced keratoconus, or irregular corneas Vaults over the cornea and rests on the sclera, holding a saline reservoir that protects and hydrates the eye.
Hybrid Lenses High visual precision with a need for comfort Combines an RGP centre for clarity with a soft-lens skirt for comfort and easy adaptation.
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) Myopia (short-sightedness) and some astigmatism Worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea, allowing clear daytime vision without glasses or daytime lenses.

Note: Specialty RGP designs require professional fitting and follow-up care. Consult your optometrist to determine which lens type best supports your eye condition and daily needs.

Rigid gas-permeable lenses go far beyond basic vision correction. Because they are custom-designed for each individual, they can solve complex optical and corneal problems that soft lenses cannot. The focus with RGP lenses isn’t the brand name—it’s the specialised function each design serves.

These specialty RGP designs are available in New Zealand through optometrists trained in advanced lens fitting. They are particularly valuable for people with keratoconus, post-surgical eyes, or those with chronic dryness or discomfort in soft lenses.

Each design is custom-made to match the wearer’s corneal shape and oxygen needs. With precise fitting and ongoing care, these lenses can restore clear, comfortable vision in cases where standard soft lenses fall short.

Soft Contact Lenses

Soft lenses are made from hydrogel or silicone hydrogel materials that absorb water and conform to the eye’s surface. They remain the most widely used contact lens type in New Zealand.

Advantages

  • Comfortable almost immediately after insertion
  • Offered in daily, fortnightly, and monthly replacement cycles
  • Stay stable in the eye during activity or sport
  • Available in designs for astigmatism (toric) and presbyopia (multifocal)

Considerations

  • Shorter lifespan and higher replacement frequency than RGPs
  • Require consistent hygiene; overwear or sleeping in them raises infection risk
  • Some hydrogel models allow less oxygen to the eye, though silicone hydrogel versions have largely resolved this.

Soft lenses are widely available in New Zealand in all major replacement schedules and prescription types. Examples include daily disposables for convenience and reusable monthly options made from silicone hydrogel for higher oxygen transmission.

Popular Soft Contact Lens Products in New Zealand

The following contact lenses are widely available through LensesOnline nationwide:

Product Name Lens Type Wear Schedule Key Feature
Dailies Total 1 Silicone hydrogel Daily disposable High oxygen flow with a water-gradient surface for comfort.
Precision 1 Silicone hydrogel Daily disposable Consistent clarity and hydration throughout the day.
1-Day Acuvue Moist Hydrogel Daily disposable Moisture-rich lens ideal for new or sensitive wearers.
Acuvue Oasys Silicone hydrogel Fortnightly High oxygen performance suited for long wear times.
Biofinity Silicone hydrogel Monthly Highly breathable material designed for extended daily use.
Air Optix Plus HydraGlyde Silicone hydrogel Monthly Combines moisture technology with long-lasting clarity.

These examples represent commonly prescribed lenses in New Zealand, covering daily, fortnightly, and monthly replacement schedules. Always confirm suitability with your optometrist before purchase or switching brands.

Professional Fitting and Care

Even with readily available products, a professional contact lens fitting is required. During a fitting, an optometrist measures corneal curvature, checks tear film quality, and tests trial lenses for comfort and oxygen flow. Poor fit can cause irritation, redness, or fluctuating vision regardless of lens type.

Eye health reviews every six to twelve months ensure your lenses still fit well and that your corneas remain clear and well-oxygenated. 

Proper lens care is essential for maintaining healthy eyes and preventing infection. Always replace your lens case every three months to avoid bacterial buildup, and never rinse your lenses with tap water, as it can introduce harmful microorganisms. 

Follow the replacement schedule recommended by your eye-care professional precisely, since overwearing lenses or extending their use can lead to discomfort and serious eye complications.

Takeaway

In New Zealand, both hard and soft contact lenses are widely available and can provide clear, comfortable vision when fitted and cared for correctly. Soft lenses are often chosen for everyday comfort and convenience, while rigid gas-permeable (RGP) lenses deliver superior optical precision and long-term corneal health for more complex prescriptions.

The most suitable lens depends on your corneal shape, oxygen needs, and wearing habits. Consulting your optometrist and scheduling regular eye examinations remain the best way to maintain comfort, clarity, and long-term vision health.

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