Which type of patient would best benefit from extended-wear lenses?

• A. Myopic patient
• B. Hyperopic patient
• C. Aphakic patient
• D. Astigmatic patient

Answer: (C)

Extended-wear lenses provide continuous vision correction, staying in place for days at a time without daily handling. An aphakic patient lacks the natural lens, which leaves a very large hyperopic (far-sighted) refractive error that is awkward and bulky to correct with glasses. A corneal contact lens supplies the needed corrective surface directly on the eye and, with extended wear, can provide uninterrupted vision (even overnight) for several days. This makes extended wear especially advantageous for someone who requires strong, constant correction and prefers not to manage daily lens insertion and removal. While myopic, hyperopic, or astigmatic patients can use contact lenses, the extreme power and continuous correction needs in aphakia make extended wear the best fit.