Written by Many contact lens wearers have wondered at some point, “Can I sleep with my contact lenses in?” Whether it’s an accidental nap or a full night’s sleep, wearing contact lenses while sleeping can have serious risks for eye health. Let’s explore the potential dangers and precautions you should take to protect your eyes.
Why Sleeping with Contact Lenses is Risky
1. Reduced Oxygen Supply to the Eyes
Your cornea (the clear outer layer of the eye) gets oxygen from the air, and contact lenses already reduce oxygen flow during the day. When you sleep, oxygen supply decreases even further, leading to discomfort, redness, and in severe cases, corneal damage.
2. Increased Risk of Eye Infections
Sleeping with contact lenses creates a warm, moist environment that is perfect for bacteria to grow. This can lead to serious eye infections, such as keratitis, which can cause pain, blurred vision, and even permanent eye damage if left untreated.
3. Dryness and Irritation
During sleep, your eyes produce fewer tears, which means your contact lenses can dry out. This often leads to discomfort, blurry vision, and difficulty removing the lenses in the morning.
4. Higher Chances of Corneal Ulcers
Prolonged contact lens wear, especially overnight, increases the risk of corneal ulcers, which are open sores on the cornea. These can be painful and may require medical treatment to prevent long-term vision problems.
Are There Contact Lenses Designed for Sleeping?
Some extended-wear contact lenses are FDA-approved for overnight use because they allow more oxygen to pass through. However, even with these lenses, eye doctors recommend removing them periodically to reduce risks. If you’re interested in extended-wear lenses, consult your optometrist to see if they’re suitable for your eyes.
What to Do If You Accidentally Sleep with Contact Lenses
If you wake up and realize you’ve slept with your contacts in:
✅ Don’t panic – Avoid removing them immediately, as they may be dry and stuck to your eyes.
✅ Blink several times to encourage natural lubrication.
✅ Use artificial tears or saline solution to rehydrate your lenses before taking them out.
✅ Let your eyes rest for a few hours before wearing contacts again.
✅ Watch for any signs of infection, such as redness, pain, or sensitivity to light. If symptoms persist, see an eye doctor.
Precautions to Keep Your Eyes Safe
✔️ Always remove contact lenses before sleeping, unless prescribed otherwise.
✔️ Follow proper lens hygiene, including daily cleaning and storage.
✔️ Never reuse old solution or wear expired lenses.
✔️ Schedule regular eye check-ups to monitor eye health.
✔️ Consider daily disposable lenses if you frequently forget to remove them.
Final Thoughts
Sleeping with contact lenses may seem harmless, but it poses significant risks to your eye health. To keep your vision clear and your eyes healthy, always follow proper contact lens care guidelines and avoid sleeping with them unless advised by your doctor.
If you often find yourself dozing off with contacts, consider switching to daily disposables or extended-wear lenses (with professional guidance). Your eyes will thank you! 👀
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