People today are too busy to deal with the daily hassle of cleaning and sterilizing their contact lenses. They don't want to worry about packing glasses, contact lens solution, cases and extra contacts when they travel out of town. With the new extended wear lenses, these concerns are a thing of the past.

Today you can find contacts made specifically for longer-term wear, whether it's overnight, a week or two, or even a month. These products, when worn, are made to deliver more oxygen to the eye. They allow eyes to "breathe", and they cut down on infections that thrive in oxygen-poor areas. These lenses are made from a newer material, silicone hydrogel, which makes for a more enjoyable lens-wearing experience.

Not only do these lenses provide a more comfortable wear, they can also reduce potential eye infections. Each time the lenses are removed, they're disposed of, and a new pair is worn. This eliminates the chances of reintroducing bacteria to the eye. Also, the chance for contact lens loss is greatly reduced, as they are touched much less frequently than daily lenses.

They're not without their risks, however. They do need to be changed as directed. They may not correct certain vision problems, like severe astigmatism. But to wake up in the middle of the night and clearly see the clock is a dream come true for some who've been tethered to thick glasses all their lives. Imagine getting ready for work in the morning with little thought to your vision. These lenses make it possible.

Some who've considered LASIK have even passed up the surgery in favor of essentially carefree lenses. These lenses don't require any invasive surgery, yet they're a simple way to obtain perfect to near-perfect vision. Handling lenses once a month is a very welcome change from a daily regimen that includes contact lens removal and insertion.

You may be able to enjoy the fantastic, low-maintenance vision you've always wanted. Check with your eye care professional to determine which contact lens option is right for you.