What are extended wear contact lenses?

When someone thinks of contacts they typically think of contacts that need to be taken out each night, but this is not always the case. There are extended wear contacts that can be worn and slept in for up to seven days or 30 days, depending on the brand and type you wear. Consult with your doctor before making a decision. Your doctor will help you understand the benefits and drawbacks of extended wear contacts.

Extended wear contacts are a great option for people who want something other than their glasses without having to deal with a contact maintenance schedule. While there is no daily maintenance you will have a removal schedule that is set up by your doctor. It is suggested that after a removal you should sleep without contacts for one night, to give your eyes a break. It is important to note that these contacts can be worn for up to 7 days. This is a maximum number. Eye irritation and other problems can lead to some needing to take out their contacts more often. 

Because these contacts are worn for many days there is a risk for irritation, infection, and other problems. Bacteria and other harmful dangerous microorganisms can get stuck in between your eye and the contact lens. These microorganisms can cause mild infections like pink eye or more serious infections that can lead to vision loss. Some signs of infection are: discomfort, redness, irritation, and watering eyes. Sleeping in your contacts increases your chances for infection, because your eye is not getting the oxygen it needs to fight any infections. To help improve your chances of not getting an infection, sleep without contacts once or twice a week. This may not be as convenient but you will still be able to sleep with them on most nights. 

Consult with your Provo Contact doctor to see if extended wear contacts are right for you.