What Are the Dangers of Extended Wear Contacts?

Extended wear contact lenses are made to be worn all day and night, even while sleeping, for up to seven days. While they offer comfort and convenience, extended wear lenses also come with some potential dangers.

Dangers

Since they're not removed at night, extended wear contact lenses greatly reduce the amount of oxygen reaching the cornea. Bacteria may also become trapped under the lenses. These conditions may lead to a wide range of infections, from something as simple as pink eye to potential blindness.

Considerations

Swimming, smoking, or exposure to other eye irritants while wearing extended wear contacts will increase the risk of infection.

Warnings

People with diabetes, low tear production, or taking medications that require high levels of oxygen to the cornea need to consult their doctor before using extended wear contact lenses.

Precautions

To reduce the risk of infection, extended wear contact lenses should be removed and discarded according to instructions. Pay close attention to any changes in eye sight, appearance, or sensation. Notify your doctor at the first sign of trouble.

Misconceptions

Extended wear contacts are not necessarily the same as continuous wear lenses, which are designed to be worn for up to 30 consecutive days.

References

• AllAboutVision.com
• EyeCareSource.com
• MayoClinic.com