Extended wear of hydrophilic contact lenses in aphakia - an alternative to intraocular lens implantation.

Since not every patient will be a candidate for an intraocular lens, there will always be a portion of aphakic patients who are candidates for extended wear hydrophilic lenses. Aphakic patients to be fitted successfully with extended wear contacts must be motivated, aware of the risks, and require frequent lens cleaning and replacement on an individual basis. While future improvement of hydrophilic lenses is to be expected and anticipated, the extent of these improvements is still uncertain. However, preliminary reports are encouraging. Extended wear contact lenses are not the only answer to aphakia. They are but one alternative available to the ophthalmologist for maximizing the visual rehabilitation of the aphakic patient. Even with the increasing use and acceptance of intraocular lenses, the use of extended soft lens wear has a place in this rehabilitation.