Extended Wear Contact Lenses

How Extended Wear Lenses Work

Not all contact lenses can safely be worn overnight. Extended wear lenses are engineered specifically to support corneal health when your eyes are closed and unable to receive oxygen from the air.

• Silicone Hydrogel Material: The cornea depends on oxygen dissolved in the tear film when the eye is closed. Silicone hydrogel has a molecular structure that allows oxygen to pass directly through the lens matrix at a much higher rate than standard hydrogel — making it the only material suitable for overnight wear
• Ultra-High Oxygen Transmissibility: Extended wear lenses are designed to deliver sufficient oxygen to the cornea through long wearing periods, including sleep, to minimise the risk of corneal oxygen deprivation
• Deposit-Resistant Surfaces: Long wearing periods mean more exposure to protein and lipid deposits from the tear film; extended wear lenses feature surface treatments that resist buildup to maintain comfort and clarity

Is Extended Wear Right for You?

Extended wear is not suitable for everyone. Your optometrist must assess your corneal health, tear film, and individual eye health before prescribing any overnight wearing schedule.

Which Extended Wear Lens Is Right For You?

Extended wear may suit you if:

• Professional Approval: Your optometrist has assessed your eyes and determined you are a good candidate for overnight lens wear


• Active Lifestyle: Your lifestyle makes daily removal impractical — such as shift work, travel, or an active outdoor lifestyle


• Current Wearer: You already wear a silicone hydrogel monthly or fortnightly lens and want to explore an extended wear schedule with your optometrist

Top Extended Wear Options

• Air Optix Night and Day — the only lens approved for up to 30 nights of continuous wear; ultra-high oxygen transmissibility keeps eyes white and healthy
• ACUVUE OASYS — approved for up to 6 nights of extended wear; HYDRACLEAR® Plus Technology maintains moisture and comfort
• Biofinity — a premium silicone hydrogel lens approved for up to 6 nights of extended wear; naturally wettable for all-day and all-night comfort
• PureVision 2 HD — High Definition™ Optics reduce halos and glare; approved for up to 30 nights of continuous wear

Extended wear is not appropriate if:

• Eye Sensitivity: You have dry eyes, a history of eye infections, or corneal conditions — your optometrist will advise


• Incomplete Assessment: You have not had a formal extended wear assessment and fitting


• Misapplied Daily Wear: You are considering sleeping in lenses that are only approved for daily wear — this significantly increases the risk of serious eye complications

Any extended wear or overnight wearing schedule must be assessed and prescribed by your optometrist. Never sleep in contact lenses unless your optometrist has specifically approved this for your eyes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between extended wear and continuous wear contact lenses?
Both terms describe lenses approved for overnight use, but there is a distinction. Extended wear typically refers to lenses approved for limited overnight use — such as occasional sleep or a specified number of consecutive nights. Continuous wear refers to lenses approved for longer uninterrupted periods, such as up to 30 consecutive days and nights. The specific approved wearing schedule for any lens must be confirmed with your optometrist.

Is it safe to sleep in contact lenses?
Only if your optometrist has specifically assessed your eyes and prescribed an extended wear schedule using lenses approved for overnight use. Sleeping in contact lenses — even approved extended wear lenses — increases the risk of eye infections and corneal complications compared to removing lenses each night. Never sleep in any lens not approved for overnight wear.

Why do extended wear lenses need to be silicone hydrogel?
When the eye is closed during sleep, the cornea can no longer absorb oxygen from the air and depends entirely on oxygen passing through the contact lens. Standard hydrogel lenses do not transmit enough oxygen for this. Silicone hydrogel materials allow oxygen to pass directly through the lens at a significantly higher rate, making them the only material suitable for extended or overnight wear.

Do I need a new prescription to switch to extended wear?
Yes. Even if you already wear the same brand in a standard daily-wear schedule, your optometrist must formally assess and prescribe any change to an extended wear schedule. This involves evaluating your corneal health, tear film, and individual suitability before approving overnight wear.

What should I do if my eyes feel uncomfortable during extended wear?
Remove your lenses immediately if you experience any discomfort, redness, pain, unusual discharge, or blurred vision. These can be early signs of a serious eye complication. Contact your optometrist promptly and do not reinsert the lenses until you have been assessed.