What are all day contact lenses?

Extended wear contact lenses are also called continuous wear or all-day lenses. They allow for longer wearing schedules than standard daily wear lenses. Some can be worn overnight for several nights. Others are approved for continuous wear up to 30 days and nights. This depends on the lens and your eye care professional's advice.

These lenses usually use highly oxygen-permeable materials like silicone hydrogel. This allows more oxygen to reach the cornea. However, extended wear does not remove all risks of sleeping in lenses. Always follow the recommended wearing schedule for your particular lenses.

If you are interested in lenses designed for longer wear, explore our 24/7 contact lenses.

The benefits of extended wear contact lenses can include:

• Convenience – less frequent removal and insertion when overnight wear has been approved for you
• Freedom – useful for people with active lifestyles, travel or irregular work schedules
• Clear vision when waking up – without first having to insert your lenses
• Fewer daily lens-care steps during an approved continuous-wear period

Who Can Wear Extended Wear Contact Lenses?

Extended wear contact lenses are convenient, but they are not for everyone. An eye care professional should assess if overnight wear is appropriate. They will then recommend a suitable wearing schedule.

Your eye health, tear film, and prescription affect suitability. Lens fit and lifestyle also matter. People with persistent dry eyes or recurrent infections may need different lenses. They might require a different wearing schedule.

Your working environment can also matter. Dust, dirt and contaminants may make lens wear more challenging. Poor lens hygiene can increase the risk of complications.

If overnight wear is not suitable, monthly contact lenses are a reusable alternative. You can wear these only during the day. Alternatively, daily contact lenses offer a fresh pair each day.

How to Care for Extended Wear Contact Lenses

Good hygiene remains essential even when a lens is approved for extended or continuous wear. Always follow the instructions for your specific product and the schedule recommended by your optometrist.

Wash and dry your hands before touching your lenses. Clean and disinfect reusable lenses using recommended contact lens solution. Store them in a clean case with fresh solution. Never use water to clean or store contact lenses.

Replace lenses according to their prescribed replacement schedule. Monthly lenses should not be used beyond that period. Do not continue use just because they still feel comfortable.

Clean your lens case correctly and replace it regularly. Regular eye examinations are also important. A professional can check your eyes and confirm your wearing schedule remains suitable.

Potential Risks of Sleeping in Contact Lenses

Extended wear lenses allow more oxygen to reach the eye. However, sleeping in lenses still carries higher risks than removing them before sleep.

Potential complications include eye infections such as microbial keratitis, inflammation, redness, dryness, irritation and deposits on the lens surface. Sleeping in contact lenses has been associated with a substantially increased risk of contact-lens-related eye infection.

Never assume a monthly lens can automatically be worn overnight. Only sleep in lenses specifically approved for extended wear. Ensure an eye care professional confirms this schedule is appropriate for you.

Remove lenses and seek professional advice promptly if you experience pain. This includes redness, discomfort, light sensitivity, discharge or changes in vision.

Choosing the Right Extended Wear Contact Lenses

Extended wear contact lenses come in different designs and schedules. Your choice depends on your prescription and eye shape. Lens fit and continuous wear needs also matter.

Netlens offers Air Optix Night & Day Aqua for up to 30 nights. This requires professional approval. Biofinity can be prescribed for shorter extended wear. PureVision 2 HD is another reusable silicone hydrogel option.

You can also find extended-wear options for different vision needs. People with astigmatism may require toric contact lenses, while those with presbyopia may need multifocal contact lenses. The exact wearing schedule depends on the specific product.

Do not switch between contact lens models simply because the prescription values look similar. Lens material, base curve, diameter, optical design and approved wearing schedule can differ between products.

Extended Wear Contact Lenses: Convenience with the Right Care

Extended wear lenses offer flexibility and clear vision during approved overnight wear. This reduces the need to remove and insert lenses every day. They fit better around travel, shift work or active lifestyles.

Choose a lens fitted for your eyes. Follow the recommended wearing schedule and maintain good hygiene. Speak to your optometrist before switching to continuous wear.

Explore our range of 24/7 and extended wear contact lenses or browse all contact lenses available from Netlens.