WEARING SCHEDULES

EXTENDED WEAR


Another way some lenses are worn is on 
what we call an extended wear schedule.  
The lenses are put on and worn for more 
than one day at a time.  The patient 
sleeps with the lenses on for up to a 
maximum recommended time of one 
week, although some patients may not 
comply and wear them longer.  In the 
U.S. the Food and Drug Administration 
(FDA), which regulates medical devices, 
has approved them for no longer than a 
week without removal.

The reason there is this limitation is that the more days they are worn the greater the risk of corneal infections (ulcers) and other problems.