Extended Wear Contact Lenses: Are They Right for You? August 7, 2025

Contact lenses have revolutionized the way we correct vision—offering a discreet and comfortable alternative to traditional eyeglasses. But for many, daily lens removal and cleaning can feel like a chore. If you’re someone who values convenience and minimal maintenance, extended wear contact lenses might be the perfect solution.

In this article, we’ll explore what extended wear lenses are, how they work, their benefits and risks, and who they’re most suitable for. Whether you’re based in Dubai, traveling across the United Arab Emirates UAE, or living an active lifestyle, this guide will help you decide if this type of lens is right for you.

What Are Extended Wear Contact Lenses?

Extended wear contact lenses are soft lenses that are approved for overnight use. Unlike daily wear lenses that need to be removed before sleeping, extended wear lenses are designed to be worn continuously—day and night—for an extended period, typically between 6 to 30 days, depending on the brand and the recommendation of your eye care professional.

They are usually made of silicone hydrogel, a material that allows more oxygen to pass through to the cornea compared to regular soft lenses. This higher oxygen permeability is what makes them safe for longer wear durations.

Benefits of Extended Wear Contact Lenses

Convenience: No daily removal or cleaning means less hassle—ideal for people with busy schedules or those who travel frequently.
24/7 Vision: You don’t have to fumble for your glasses in the morning or worry about blurry vision if you fall asleep with your lenses in.
Great for Active Lifestyles: Perfect for athletes, healthcare workers, or professionals working long shifts, including people living in dynamic cities like Dubai.
Ideal for Travel: Whether you’re camping, hiking, or exploring the United Arab Emirates UAE, these lenses reduce the need to carry lens solution and cases.

Are There Risks Involved?

Despite the convenience, extended wear lenses do carry certain risks. Sleeping in contact lenses increases your risk of developing eye infections, particularly microbial keratitis—a serious infection that can damage the cornea.

Wearing lenses for long periods without cleaning also allows more deposits, like protein and lipids, to accumulate, which can cause discomfort, irritation, or allergic reactions. Proper hygiene and following your optometrist’s instructions are essential to minimizing risks.

It’s also important to undergo regular check-ups. Your eye care provider can monitor the health of your eyes and determine whether you should continue using extended wear lenses.

Who Should Consider Extended Wear Lenses?

Extended wear contact lenses are not suitable for everyone. However, they may be ideal for:

People with high refractive errors (e.g., strong prescriptions)
Those who need correction 24/7, such as shift workers or emergency responders
Patients with certain medical conditions, like aphakia (absence of the lens in the eye)
Anyone looking for a low-maintenance vision correction option

Before making the switch, consult with an eye care professional who will evaluate your eye health, lifestyle, and vision needs.

How to Use and Care for Extended Wear Lenses

Even though they’re designed for extended use, some maintenance is still required. Here are some general guidelines:

Never exceed the recommended wearing schedule.
If your eyes become red, irritated, or painful, remove the lenses immediately and consult your doctor.
Always wash your hands thoroughly before touching your lenses.
Have a backup pair of glasses in case you need to give your eyes a break.
Visit your optometrist for regular eye exams—especially important if you live in dry climates like that of Dubai or elsewhere in the United Arab Emirates UAE.

Pair Your Look with Luxurious Lashes

While enhancing your vision is important, enhancing your look is just as exciting. Pair your new contact lenses with our Luxurious Lashes collection for a naturally beautiful gaze. Whether you’re going for a soft glam or a bold look, our lashes are crafted to suit any occasion and pair effortlessly with contact lens wear.

Don’t forget to use our Eyelash Separator for clump-free lashes and finish with our Luminous Mascara to bring out the full depth of your eyes—lenses and lashes working together to define your style.

Final Thoughts

Extended wear contact lenses offer a convenient, lifestyle-friendly alternative to traditional daily lenses. They’re a great option for people constantly on the move or those who simply want to wake up and see clearly without the need for glasses or daily lens care.

However, they’re not for everyone. Careful consideration, proper hygiene, and guidance from an eye care professional are essential. If you’re based in Dubai or anywhere in the United Arab Emirates UAE, we recommend visiting a trusted optician to get a personalized assessment.

Ready to upgrade your vision and beauty routine? Explore our full range of eye products—from Contact Lenses to Luxurious Lashes—and let your eyes speak volumes.