Extended Wear

Extended wear lenses are usually monthly lenses that are designed to be worn for between a week and a month without needing to be taken out. This means that you can fall asleep in them and wake up with clear vision.

Sometimes an optician will recommend monthly lenses that aren't specifically designed for extended wear for this kind of wearing pattern. This will usually depend on how breathable the lenses are, as well as how well they retain moisture and if your eyes have plenty of natural tears to keep them hydrated and comfortable. Most extended wear contact lenses are made from silicone hydrogel for these reasons.

Daily lenses aren't suitable for extended wear as they are designed to be disposed of each day and so won't comfortable or safe to wear for more than one day. There are some 2-weekly lenses, such as Acuvue Oasys, which can be suggested as suitable for extended wear.

One of the most popular reasons to choose extended wear lenses is that you can wear them all day. If you work long-hours or in shifts then having comfortable contact lenses that offer high performance for the entire day will be of good use to you. Continuous wear contact lenses spare you from removing your lenses and having to wear glasses.

Extended wear contacts can be worn for up to 30 days without needing cleaning, making them the lowest maintenance contact lenses available. This means no pre-bed routine of storing in solution, you can just get straight into bed and wake up the next day with perfect vision. This aspect is handy for new parents who might be getting up at all hours of the night!

Monthly
This wearing pattern is for 30 day contact lenses that you can wear for the duration of the month. Not only are they the most convenient type of extended wear lenses, they also offer the best value for money. Each pack usually contains 3 lenses, giving you 3 months of wear for an affordable price.

2-weekly
Only people who have lots of natural tears can wear 30 day contact lenses comfortably, but they aren't the only people who can enjoy continuous wear contacts. Some 2-weekly lenses, such as Acuvue Oasys, can be worn for 14 consecutive days meaning that you can enjoy all the convenience of extended wear but with a more regular replacement schedule.

Toric
If you have the eye condition astigmatism, then you'll need toric contact lenses. As an eye with astigmatism is more elongated than a typical one, spherical contact lenses tend not to fit securely. Toric lenses are designed to fit much better and offer clear, comfortable vision all day and some brands, such as Acuvue Oasys for Astigmatism and Biofinity Toric, are suitable for extended wear.

Multifocal
When you have the age-related condition presbyopia, multifocal contact lenses are a great choice for convenient and clear vision. As your eye can struggle to focus on near objects as you get older, multifocal contact lenses enable you to focus on objects at near, far and intermediate distances with ease. The good news is that there are multifocal contact lenses that are suitable for extended wear, allowing you to enjoy perfect eyesight always.