The evolution of rigid contact lens prescribing.

Rigid contact lenses have long been known to be a versatile form of optical correction. However, as documented in this report of the results of annual prescribing surveys conducted over the past 12 years, there has been a steady decline in rigid lens fitting over this period. This is attributed to factors such as the initial discomfort of rigid lenses and the increased sophistication of soft lens materials and designs. There is an apparent trend for rigid lenses to be used more for 'specialist' fits, such as sophisticated toric designs, multifocals and orthokeratology.