Most contact lenses are supposed to be removed during the night. The reason? Contact lenses tend to reduce the oxygen to the cornea, which can result in an infection. If you would like to wear contact lenses continuously (day and night) , you can choose extended wear contact lenses. These contact lenses allow the supply of oxygen to cornea, as a result you can use the lenses continuously (24 hours a day) for a period of 7 days or more.
What are Extended Wear Contact Lenses?
Extended wear contact lenses can be worn continuously (day and night). They can be used for a period of 7 days. Some of them can also be used for 31 days (or 30 nights). After this period, these lenses can be disposed and replaced by a new pair of lens.
Extended wear contact lenses are made of silicone hydrogel — this material provides transmission of oxygen through the lens, and then to the cornea.
Problems with earlier contact lenses:
In 1981, FDA had approved some contact lenses for continual wear. However, these lenses reduced the oxygen supply to the cornea. When oxygen supply is reduced, the eye would be unable to fight the microorganisms. This can increase the risk of eye infection. As a result, eye care specialists advised the patients to remove the lens before sleeping.
In contrast to the old lenses, the newer extended wear contact lenses are made of silicone hydrogel. This material allows the supply of oxygen to cornea and is safe for continuous wear.
If you are interested in extended wear contact lenses, do consult your eye doctor for the lens which suit you. While some may be suitable for 7 day continual wear, others would be suitable for 31 day continual wear.
