Continuous-wear contact lenses approved

FDA Consumer, Jan-Feb, 2002

The FDA has approved a new type of soft contact lenses, safe enough to wear continuously for up to 30 nights. Prior to its approval in October, contact lenses were approved only for up to seven days of extended wear.

Focus Night and Day lenses may be worn for up to a month without removal because they allow six times more oxygen to reach the eye than current lenses.

All extended-wear contact lenses carry a greater risk of serious eye infections than lenses that are removed before retiring for the day.

The new lenses should be replaced every month, as recommended by eye-care providers, and should never be worn longer than the recommended time. When removed in between replacement times, the lenses should be cleaned and disinfected before reinsertion, or disposed of. Once lenses are removed, eyes should have a rest without lens wear for at least one night. (For more information on contact lenses, see "Vision Correction: Taking a Look at What's New" in the September-October 2001 issue of FDA Consumer.)

Focus Night and Day lenses are made by CIBA Vision Corp., of Duluth, Ga.