There are risks and benefits for those wearing extended wear lenses. For instance, one British study has found that those who wear extended wear lenses are actually at less risk of developing serious cases keratitis. However, the same survey suggested that the risk of developing moderate keratitis was elevated by wearing continuous wear lenses. The study also suggested that the risk of developing keratitis was higher in those patients who wore their lenses overnight.

In America, extended wear lenses have been deemed safe to wear since 1981. However, the FDA recommended that they be worn for no more than 2 weeks at a time. This was then superseded by a ruling which found that 30 day periods were also acceptable. Subsequent studies then suggested that the ruling had led to a spike in eye infections amongst extended wear lens users. Hence the FDA reduced the recommended period to 7 days.

At the time, advocates of opticians and doctors argued that overnight lens wearing carried unacceptable risks, and issued advice to patients that wearing lenses overnight be avoided. Their major worry related to the risk of bacterial infection, suggesting that closed eyelids in warm environments were ideal spaces for bacteria to thrive. Additionally, it was felt that the lower oxygen levels overnight compromised the body's ability to fight infections.

These infections can include manageable conditions like pink eye, as well as far more serious problems such as Acanthamoeba Keratitis or nasty fungal infections. These can lead to seriously impaired vision or even permanent loss of eyesight if not treated. It is known that extended wear of contact lenses raises the risk of contracting these infections.

Using extended wear contact lenses can lead to immediate symptoms such as dry eyes, irritation and redness, which leads to intense discomfort. In some cases, this is due to the eyes adapting to continuous lens wearing, or they could develop due to a new lens care schedule and different cleaning solutions. It is also important to remember that there is no firm data to suggest that patients can develop allergic reactions to extended wear lenses.

However, if you wear products containing silicone hydrogel for extended periods, this can cause dryness of the eyes and anyone prone to dry eyes can find such lenses extremely uncomfortable. Thankfully there are next generation lens cleaning products that can counter this situation by maintaining a high level of moisture around the lens.

Many of those who use extended wear contact lenses report a higher degree of sensitivity when they switch to the new lenses. This is partly because of the rush of oxygen to the cornea that permeable extended wear lenses allows. Conventional lenses are much less permeable, resulting in a smaller amount of oxygen reaching the eye. In turn, this can make it harder to "feel" the lens, so when more oxygen is allowed through, sensitivity can result. This greater sensitivity is well documented, and is nothing to cause concern. Instead, it is a sign of more oxygen reaching parts of the eye that need it, and may indicate improved eye health.

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What are extended wear contact lenses?