A Brief History of Extended Wear
In 1981, the FDA first approved extended wear lenses to be worn for up to 30 days without removal. But researchers later found
the incidence of eye infections increased in some people who wore extended wear contact lenses. The accepted extended wearing time in the United States then
changed to seven days. While the FDA has kept its seven
-day recommendation, over the past decade some of the nation's leading practitioners decided that even three days without removal is too dangerous.
The concern is that potentially dangerous organisms, which can enter the eye by your fingers, the eyecare solutions you use or your contact lenses, are better able to thrive in situations where a contact lens is not removed overnight, cleaned and disinfected before re -insertion. These organisms can cause infections that range from an annoying case of conjunctivitis to more serious conditions that can lead to blindness.
A Comeback for 30-Day Wear?
Today's extended wear contact lens materials and designs have been improved, making extended wear a safer option than ever before. There is a move underway once again to introduce in the United States contact lenses that can be worn for up to 30 days without removal. These types of extended wear lenses, sometimes called continuous wear lenses, are currently available in parts of Europe and Canada.
These new extended wear lenses represent an updated generation of contact lens materials that are very different than the extended wear lenses which caused problems many years ago. They are designed to allow more oxygen to reach the cornea, providing better eye health for overnight wear.
A lens made of such a new material is actually available now in the United States for regular seven-day extended wear. The manufacturer is currently undergoing the clinical studies necessary to gain FDA approval for 30-day wear.
Proper Lens Care Is Critical
If you wear extended wear lenses, you can reduce your risk of developing an infection by following your doctor's instructions for replacing and caring for your lenses. Studies show that a large percentage of infections and other complications in people who wear extended wear lenses are directly related to improper cleaning, disinfecting and enzyming of their contact lenses.
Another thing you can do to avoid a problem with extended wear lenses is to listen to your eyes and take action, if necessary. For example, if you experience red or irritated eyes, immediately remove your lenses and consult us. - Questions?