Contact lens choices

[SteveDallas]

I'd appreciate any thoughts from anybody who has worn both soft contact lenses and rigid gas permeable. For those keeping score at home, I have pretty bad myopia (eyeglasses are about -12 in my left eye and -22 in my right). I started wearing hard contacts in 1981 (at the time they tried soft lenses but couldn't accomodate my prescription). In 1987 they switched me to gas permeable lenses, which I've worn ever since. (I mean I've worn that type of lens, not that I've had the exact same pair all this time!)

I'm now considering soft lenses since they can now accommodate my vision. I have been having a bit more discomfort with my lenses mostly relating to eye dryness, and I was thinking that soft lenses would improve on this. From talking to my doctor and reading on the internet, I have learned that current RGP technology is such that it's not such an open and shut case. Soft lenses would definitely involve more hassle and expense. (I can replace one of my RGP lenses for about $85, and it will last for years.) But would I find them more comfortable? All research to this point indicates that I might, or I might not.

After talking it over with my doctor, I have decided to try them and see what happens, and I will know once and for all which way is better for me. But I'm curious if anybody else has tried both and what your experiences were.