The eye in extended contact lens wear

Fitting contact lenses for extended wear requires special lenses and sophisticated skills on the part of the fitter. Problems which may occur involve oxygen transmission, protein accumulation, neovascularization, conjunctival papillae and hyperemia, and corneal swelling. The need to keep the lenses clean and for frequent reexamination of the ocular tissues puts more demand on both the practitioner and the patient. The practitioner who fits extended wear lenses needs adequate instrumentation and the skill and time to care for the patient. He must also be easily accessible to the patient.