A gas permeable contact lens is typically designed with a thin overall profile to achieve what effect on the cornea?

A gas permeable contact lens is engineered with a thin overall profile primarily to enhance flexibility and allow for better adaptation to the cornea's natural shape. This design supports a more comfortable fit, as the lens can conform to the movements of the eyelid during blinking. The flexibility of the lens contributes to its ability to allow oxygen to pass through to the cornea more efficiently, which is crucial for maintaining corneal health and comfort during wear.

In contrast, a thicker lens could increase weight and decrease comfort, potentially leading to an adverse effect on the cornea. Additionally, reducing lens thickness is important, but the primary focus is on flexibility rather than merely decreasing thickness for its own sake. The overall design consideration for gas permeable lenses aims to create a balance between comfort, oxygen permeability, and the lens’s overall performance, which is best achieved through an appropriately thin and flexible structure.