Daily vs Extended
Wear Contact Lenses
The Differences Between Daily and Extended Wear
Contact Lenses
One of the largest improvements in contact lens technology
has been the development of the extended wear lens. Extended
wear contact lenses is a type of lens which can be left in
place around the clock for seven days before removing them.
Before that, only daily wear contact lenses were available.
The main difference between daily wear and extended wear
contact lenses is the flow of oxygen. Extended wear lenses
have been designed to transfer oxygen from the air through
the contact lenses and onto the cornea so that it is able
breathe. When the cornea doesn't get enough of oxygen, it
will weaker to several different eye problems which includes
giant papillary conjunctivitis and corneal edema.
Extended wear contact lenses the best choice for busy people
due to the fact that they require minimal maintenance. They
also make good choices for individuals who work odd hours
and double shifts such as doctors and firefighters. Extended
wear disposable lenses are the most convenient since they're
simply thrown away after they're removed.
The first extended wear lenses were not meant to be disposed.
Wearers reinserted the same pair after removing them for routine
cleaning and disinfecting. Since you cannot completely cleanse
and disinfect these lenses, infections and irritations were
common. Infections are still a risk and those who choose extended
wear lenses are advised to get regular eye examinations.
Even though they're convenient, these lenses may not suit
everyone. Some are uncomfortable with the idea of leaving
their contacts in while asleep. They think (incorrectly) that
they might become lost inside the eye and such thoughts can
cause anxiety. As for some others, the eyes just aren't able
to get enough oxygen, and they need to wear daily lenses.
Daily wear soft lenses have always been the most popular
type of contact lenses since they are softer and more comfortable,
cause minimal eye problems and they're easy to get used to.
Because they are made mostly of water, they adhere well and
float freely on the surface of the eyes.
They're very useful for the sports man where wearing eyeglasses
can become a safety issue. They're made from a more durable
plastic than any other disposable daily wear lenses so they're
not as likely to tear from handling. And since these lenses
don't need to be replaced until they either become damaged
or the wearer's prescription changes, they can be the most
cost effective lenses.
The disadvantage of daily wear soft contact lenses is that
they need routine maintenance. They have to be carefully cleaned
and rinsed before they're stored otherwise protein will start
accumulating. Although daily cleaning takes only minutes,
it's an easy step to skip because to the naked eye, the contacts
don't appear 'dirty'. Disposable daily wear lenses are almost
maintenance-free and are a better choice if the wearer cannot
follow a regular contact lens cleaning schedule. They're still
removed daily, but they're disposed after a few weeks.
| 
