Which type of contact lens is specifically designed for overnight wear?

Continuous wear lenses are specifically designed for overnight wear due to their high oxygen permeability. The ability of these lenses to allow a significant amount of oxygen to reach the cornea is crucial when worn for extended periods, including while sleeping. This feature helps to reduce the risk of complications such as hypoxia and dryness, which can occur with less breathable lens materials during overnight use.

Other types of lenses, while they may offer some benefits for daily wear, do not have the same design considerations that prioritize overnight use. Daily wear lenses are intended for removal after a day of use and are not designed to be worn continuously. Soft lenses can encompass both daily wear and continuous wear varieties, but not all soft lenses are suitable for overnight wear. Rigid gas permeable lenses, while they can have sufficient oxygen permeability, are generally not marketed specifically for overnight wear without being classified as continuous wear. The main distinguishing factor for continuous wear lenses is their specific design to be safe and comfortable for extended periods, including overnight.