Can You Sleep with Contact Lenses? Risks and Best Practices

For many contact lens wearers, the convenience of sleeping with their lenses in can be tempting. But is it safe? In this article, we’ll discuss whether you can sleep with contact lenses, the risks associated with overnight wear, and best practices to protect your eye health.

Can You Sleep with Contact Lenses?

The short answer is, no, it’s generally not safe to sleep with contact lenses, unless they are specifically designed for extended wear. While some contact lenses are FDA-approved for overnight use, such as extended-wear lenses, most daily or monthly contacts should be removed before you sleep.

Your eyes need oxygen to stay healthy, and wearing contact lenses, especially while sleeping, reduces the amount of oxygen reaching your cornea. Without enough oxygen, your risk of eye infections, discomfort, and more severe eye problems increases.

The Risks of Sleeping with Contact Lenses

1. Corneal Hypoxia

One of the biggest risks of sleeping with contact lenses is corneal hypoxia—a condition where your cornea doesn’t get enough oxygen. While awake, blinking allows your eyes to get oxygen. But when you sleep with contacts in, the lenses block the oxygen supply, leading to corneal damage over time.

2. Eye Infections

Wearing contact lenses overnight increases the risk of bacterial infections like keratitis. Bacteria can accumulate under the lens, especially in a low-oxygen environment like the one created during sleep. Left untreated, infections can lead to serious complications, including vision loss.

3. Corneal Ulcers

Sleeping with your contacts increases the chance of developing a corneal ulcer, which is a painful open sore on the cornea. This condition can lead to permanent scarring and vision problems if not addressed immediately.

4. Dryness and Irritation

Overnight wear can exacerbate dry eye syndrome and cause irritation due to the reduced tear production while sleeping. You may wake up with red, irritated eyes that feel uncomfortable throughout the day.

How Long Can You Wear Contact Lenses?

• Daily Contacts: These are designed for one-day use only and should be removed before going to bed.
• Monthly or Bi-Weekly Contacts: These can be worn for a specified period but should be removed nightly, even if they are labeled for extended wear.
• Extended-Wear Lenses: These are the only lenses designed for safe overnight use, typically for up to 6 nights, but should still be used cautiously and under the guidance of an optometrist.

The key to safe contact lens wear is to follow the recommended guidelines and consult with your eye care professional if you’re unsure.

Best Practices for Contact Lens Wearers

1. Always Remove Lenses Before Sleeping

Unless you’re wearing extended-wear lenses, make sure to remove your contacts before bed. Even if your lenses are approved for overnight use, give your eyes a break by removing them as often as possible.

2. Practice Proper Hygiene

Always wash your hands before touching your lenses, and clean them regularly with the solution recommended by your optometrist. Never reuse old solution or use water to clean your lenses.

3. Schedule Regular Eye Exams

Regular check-ups with an optometrist are essential to ensure your eyes remain healthy while wearing contact lenses. At Blink Eyewear, our qualified optometrist can monitor your eye health and provide the best recommendations for safe contact lens wear.

Take Care of Your Eyes with Blink Eyewear

If you have any questions about wearing contact lenses overnight or are concerned about your eye health, don’t hesitate to contact us. At Blink Eyewear, we offer professional eye care services, including comprehensive eye exams, and guidance on choosing the right contact lenses for your lifestyle.

Call us today at +919611005336 to schedule an appointment or visit our store to meet with our qualified optometrist. Let’s keep your eyes healthy and your vision sharp!