Extended Wear Contact Lenses

Extended wear contact lenses are also referred to as continuous wear contact lenses, they have been designed to be worn continuously - that's even when you are sleeping- from between 7 to 30 days, depending on the type of contact lens and the recommendation of your Optometrist. Sleeping in extended wear contact lenses is possible due to silicone hydrogel material, which allows increased oxygen permeability, -more oxygen can reach your cornea-, than regular hydrogel contact lenses(1).

Extended wear contact lenses are a great option for people who have jobs that demand they respond at a moment’s notice or long working hours (e.g. emergency personnel, nursing mother).People who frequently fly across time zones might also find extended wear contacts useful, they can also be a great option for music festivals and camping! pop the lenses in at home before you go and no need for handling your lenses whist in a muddy tent.

It is not uncommon for Optometrists to prescribe continuous wear contact lenses to people who have a particularly high corneal oxygen demand, or to people who have worn standard lenses before and become intolerant to them, and recommend that the lenses be worn as a monthly disposable contact lens.

Extended wear contact lenses are the most environmentally friendly contact lens option, there is no need for solution or plastic storage cases and with only one pair of lenses worn each month there is far less packaging material to be disposed of.

Key Points

Helpful Guide To Extended Wear Contact Lenses

Types Of Extended Wear Contact Lenses

Extended wear or continuous wear contact lenses are available to treat most eye conditions, so whether you are long or short sighted, whether you require Toric lenses or multi focal contact lenses there should be an extended wear contact lens suitable for you.

There is also a choice of wearing options, which is normally determined by your Optometrist depending on your vision, wear times required, comfort and the oxygen needs of your cornea.

• Monthly - Some extended wear contact lenses have been specifically designed to be worn up to 29 nights and 30 days. Monthly wear offers the best in value and is the most eco friendly contact lens option. 
• Two Weekly - As you would expect two weekly extended wear contact lenses have been designed to be worn for up to 14 days and 13 nights, these are a great option for people who want or need the convenience of an extended wear lens but their eyes require more oxygen so are not suitable for a monthly replacement schedule. 
• Weekly - Optometrist will often recommend this wearing schedule if your lifestyle requires an extended wear lens but your eyes require more oxygen and more nights free of contact lenses. A weekly option is the healthiest option of wearing extended wear lenses.
• Daily - For some contact lens wearers who have a particularly high corneal oxygen demand, or who have worn standard lenses before and become intolerant to them, an Optometrist may recommend extended wear contact lenses, but to be worn only on a daily basis - like a monthly disposable contact lens - this is so that you can benefit from the extra oxygen permeability.

It is important to stick to whatever schedule your Optometrist has recommended, as this has been decided on your needs, and to keep your eyes as healthy as possible.

Our Customers Top 3 Extended Wear Contact Lenses

How Much Do Extended Wear Contact Lenses Cost

Extended wear contact lenses are probably way cheaper than you might think.

For example, our most popular selling continuous wear lens, Biofinity, retail at £15.75 for a box of three, so assuming you purchase 2 boxes that’s just £31.50 for a three month supply of continuous wear lenses! that’s cheaper than most daily lenses and can be cheaper than most monthly lenses once the cost of solutions are taken into account.

Getting The Best Out Of Your Extended Wear Contact Lenses

It is important never to wear extended wear contact lenses overnight unless recommended to do so by your Optometrist extended wear contact lenses need a little more after care and check ups than daily or monthly disposable lenses.

To get the best out of your extended wear contact lenses 

• Always follow the wearing schedule recommended by your Optometrists 
• Always keep follow up appointments with your optometrist
• Never wear extended wear lenses past their expiry date
• If you experience dry or red eyes, remove lenses
• It’s good practice to remove lenses overnight at least once during the month to give your lenses a clean and your eyes a rest

FAQ's