Extended wear contact lenses
Contact
lenses approved for continuous wear during the day and night are called
extended wear lenses or continual lenses. These lenses intended for continuous
wear are made from a silicone hydrogel material that transmits more oxygen to
the cornea of the eye, thereby providing sufficient oxygen, even during
sleep. With continual wear or extended wear lenses, it is not necessary to
remove and disinfect the lenses in Solution during
the wearing period.
It is always necessary to consult with an
ophthalmologist before wearing lenses continuously to avoid health
complications. Wearing lenses continuously also reduces the lifespan of lenses
by up to 50%. For example, a bi-weekly
lens can be worn for the full 14 days, if removed and disinfected daily. If
the same bi-weekly lens is worn continuously for 7 days and 6 nights
(e.g. Acuvue
Oasys), it should be discarded after 7 days.