Why you shouldn’t fall asleep with contact lenses on

If you aren’t in a good routine with your contact lenses, it can be easy to forget to remove them before going to bed, but doing so comes with serious risks to your eye health.

Ways sleeping with contact lenses is dangerous

Did you know that your corneas (the clear parts at the front of your eyeball) don’t have a blood supply? They get their oxygen through the air via the tears on your eyeball. This, combined with other risks like microorganisms, are reasons sleeping in contact lenses is usually a no-no. Since most contact lenses are not designed to be worn with the eyes closed, sleeping with them on can significantly increase your risk of experiencing eye problems. Hopefully, understanding these risks will motivate you to establish good contact lens hygiene and routines so you never forget to take them out before sleeping.

Eye infections

Sleeping in contact lenses makes you up to eight times more likely to get an eye infection. When bacteria and microorganisms become trapped in or form a biofilm on the surface of your contact lens, and the eye is closed for long periods, the chances of developing an infection rise. Even the most careful lens wearers are not exempt from this risk—sometimes, it only takes one mistake. One of the most serious eye infections that contact lens wearers can get is infectious keratitis. These infections often lead to permanent vision loss.

Pain and redness

Waking up with red, painful eyes may happen as a consequence of sleeping with lenses in, and this can be the first sign of a serious problem. The irritation stems from the combination of dryness and lack of oxygen during the night, which can lead to inflammation, sensitivity, and an increased likelihood of infection.

Corneal abrasions and ulcers

Since you aren’t replenishing your tears while you sleep via blinking, dryness may cause friction between the lens and the cornea, which can lead to discomfort, damage, or scratches. This can be painful all on its own, but abrasions may open you up to ulceration and infection.

Reduced oxygen supply

Your cornea requires oxygen to stay healthy. When you sleep with contact lenses in, they may prevent enough oxygen from reaching your cornea, potentially creating a condition called corneal hypoxia. This can lead to swelling of the cornea, causing blurry vision and discomfort. Over time, continuous lack of oxygen can result in more severe complications.

What to do if you slept with your contact lenses on

1. Moisten your eyes

Before attempting to remove your contact lenses, wash and dry your hands thoroughly, then use contact lens rewetting drops to moisten your eyes. This lubrication can make it easier to remove the lenses and help reduce discomfort.

2. Remove your contacts gently

Your lenses might feel dry and sticky, so avoid pulling or tugging on them, as this can lead to increased irritation or damage.

3. Take a break from wearing lenses

After successfully removing your lenses, it’s wise to avoid wearing contact lenses for at least the rest of the day. This break allows your eyes to recover properly, reducing the risk of further irritation or complications.

4. Monitor for symptoms

Keep an eye out for any signs of damage or infection, such as increased redness, abnormal tearing, or discharge. If any symptoms arise, make an appointment with your eye care professional as soon as possible—they can assess your eyes and recommend the best course of action.

5. Contact your eye care professional with any concerns

If at any point you notice discomfort, pain, redness or any other symptoms that concern you, reach out to your eye care professional. They can assess your eye health and provide treatment, if necessary.

Can you take short naps with contact lenses on?

No. Even a brief nap can increase the risk of irritation and infection, just like sleeping through the night. Even short amounts of time spent sleeping with your contacts on can lead to dryness, discomfort, and a higher likelihood of infection. If you feel drowsy and are tempted to rest your eyes, take a moment to remove your contacts first.

Is it ever okay to sleep with contact lenses on?

While most contact lenses are not designed to be worn while sleeping, your eye doctor may prescribe certain lenses that are designed for overnight wear under close supervision.

FDA-approved extended wear lenses

Some contact lenses are specially designed and approved for overnight wear, extended wear (up to 7 nights), continuous wear (up to 30 nights) or flexible wear (per eye doctor’s guidance). They may be recommended to people who have unpredictable or very active lifestyles, like soldiers or workers with long shifts, or people with certain vision abnormalities.

Orthokeratology lenses

Ortho-K lenses are rigid, gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses designed to reshape the corneal overnight while sleeping, enabling clear vision during the day without glasses or contact lenses.

See an eye doctor with any questions or concerns

If you slept with your contact lenses on and are experiencing concerning symptoms, get in touch with your eye care professional immediately. Also, if you are a contact lens wearer that would like to wear your contacts overnight, it’s time to have a conversation with them about your lifestyle and approach to contact lenses. They can evaluate your eye health, lifestyle, and habits to prescribe a plan that meets your needs.

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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it dangerous to sleep with contact lenses?

Yes, sleeping with contact lenses increases your risk of serious complications, including eye infections, corneal abrasions, and corneal hypoxia. Don’t do it—even one time runs the risk of leading to a serious eye infection.

What happens if I accidently sleep with my contacts on?

If you sleep with your contact lenses in, many of your body’s natural processes that help to keep the eye healthy can be disrupted, for instance, the oxygen supply to the cornea. If you’ve accidently slept with your lenses on, get in touch with your eye doctor for guidance.

Are there contact lenses that are safe to sleep in?

Sleeping in any contact lens increases risk of serious complications, but some contact lenses are designed for and FDA-approved for extended wear. However, it’s important to follow your eye doctor's advice regarding these lenses.

Can I sleep in my daily disposable contact lenses?

No, daily disposable contact lenses are intended for single-use and should not be worn overnight. Always remove them before sleeping to avoid complications.

What should I do if I wake up with my contact lenses still in?

If you accidentally sleep in your contact lenses, wash and dry your hands thoroughly, then gently remove them and leave them out for the remainder of the day. Use lubricating drops if they feel dry. Monitor your eyes for any signs of irritation or infection and consult your eye doctor.