What is the term for lenses that can be worn continuously without removal for a specific duration?

The term for lenses that can be worn continuously without removal for a specific duration is "extended wear lenses." These lenses are designed to be safe for wearing overnight or for extended periods, typically up to a week or even longer, depending on the specific product and the manufacturer's guidelines. The materials used in extended wear lenses allow for higher oxygen permeability, which is essential for maintaining eye health during prolonged wear.

In contrast, single-use lenses are designed for one-time use and are discarded after a single day of wear; they are not intended for continuous wear. Daily wear lenses, on the other hand, are meant to be worn during the day and removed at night. Lenticular lenses refer to a specific design feature typically used in eyeglasses, where the lens shape is altered to provide certain visual effects or enhance vision for specific conditions, rather than a type of contact lens or type of wear. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the definition and application of extended wear lenses in optometry.