What is the difference between Daily-wear and Extended-wear lenses?

Daily-wear contact lenses are designed to be removed each day for cleaning, and should be taken out before you sleep or nap.

Extended-wear lenses can be worn continuously for up to seven days before they are removed for cleaning, depending on how oxygen-permeable the lens material is. Extended-wear lenses can also be prescribed to be removed each day for cleaning and slept in occasionally when special circumstances arise. Many variables are considered in deciding between daily-wear and extended-wear lenses for each person’s needs. Since the risk of serious eye infections is higher in extended contact-lens wearers, they are generally prescribed in carefully selected individuals who are frequently monitored by eye care professionals.

Daily-wear lenses should never be worn as extended-wear lenses. Misuse can lead to temporary and even permanent damage to the cornea. People who wear any type of lens overnight have a greater chance of developing infections of the cornea. These infections are often due to poor cleaning and lens care. Improper over-wearing of contact lenses can result in intolerance, leading to the inability to wear contact lenses.