Summary: Sleeping with contact lenses can lead to several eye complications, especially when lenses are not designed for overnight use. This blog explains why sleeping with contact lenses is risky, how it can cause dryness, infections, blurry vision, and corneal damage, and why daily lenses should never be worn overnight. It also outlines safe alternatives for those who need longer wear and offers guidance on how to reduce the risks associated with extended lens use. Understanding these factors helps ensure safer lens habits and healthier eyes.
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Contact lenses have become a popular choice for people who want to avoid glasses. While they offer convenience and comfort during the day, many wonder if sleeping with contact lenses is safe. This article delves into whether it is safe to sleep with contact lenses, the risks involved, and the recommended practices for lens users.
What Happens if You Sleep with Contact Lenses?
The answer to this depends largely on the type of lens you use, but in most cases, sleeping with contact lenses is not safe. Most lenses are not designed for overnight wear. When you sleep with contact lenses that are not meant for extended use:
- Your corneas receive less oxygen
- The lenses dry out
- Irritation and discomfort increase
- The risk of infection becomes significantly higher
Even if you use lenses marked as “extended wear,” it is still important to follow the usage guidelines given by your eye care professional. Sleeping with contact lenses, even occasionally, can lead to morning discomfort such as blurry vision, dryness, or a gritty feeling in the eyes.
Can We Sleep Wearing Lenses?
Technically, yes. Some people can sleep wearing lenses, but only if they use lenses specifically designed for overnight wear. Extended-wear lenses allow oxygen to pass through at higher levels, making them safer for sleep.
However, this does not mean that any lens can be worn overnight, or you can sleep with contact lenses regularly or that it is risk-free. Even with approved lenses, the eyelids remain closed during sleep, limiting oxygen flow to the cornea. When combined with the oxygen reduction caused by contact lenses themselves, this can still create complications over time.
Sleeping with Contact Lenses: Risks and Potential Problems
There are several risks to be aware of when sleeping with contact lenses, especially if they are not intended for overnight wear. Some of the potential issues include:
1. Dry Eyes and Discomfort
One of the most common issues faced by individuals who sleep with contact lenses is dry eyes. Contact lenses can absorb moisture from the surface of your eye, and when you sleep with them in, they can cause your eyes to dry out. This may lead to discomfort, redness, or the feeling of having something in your eye.
2. Increased Risk of Infection
Wearing contact lenses while sleeping increases the risk of developing eye infections such as keratitis. The lack of oxygen flow to the cornea can create an environment where bacteria and fungi can thrive, leading to infections that can be serious if left untreated.
3. Blurry Vision Upon Waking
When you wake up after sleeping with contact lenses in, you may experience blurry vision. This can be caused by the lens being displaced during sleep or by the lens drying out. While this issue may resolve after a few minutes of blinking, it’s still an indicator that sleeping with contact lenses is not a good practice.
4. Corneal Damage
Long-term use of contact lenses while sleeping can lead to corneal hypoxia, where the cornea receives insufficient oxygen. This can result in corneal swelling, scarring, and, in severe cases, vision problems.
How Long Can You Sleep with Contact Lenses?
If you’re considering wearing contact lenses while you sleep, it’s essential to understand how long they can be worn safely. Non-extended wear lenses should be removed before sleeping, but if you have lenses designed for overnight wear, you can generally wear them for up to 7-30 days, depending on your optometrist’s recommendation. However, even with extended wear lenses, it’s important to clean and replace them regularly and follow the instructions provided.
Remember, even with the safest lenses, it’s always a good idea to remove your contact lenses before you sleep to reduce the risk of complications.
Can You Sleep with Daily Lenses?
Daily lenses are designed to be worn for a single day and then discarded. These lenses are not intended for overnight use and should be removed before sleep. Even if you wear daily lenses only during the day, sleeping with them in can cause irritation, dryness, and increase the likelihood of eye infections.
What Are the Alternatives to Sleeping with Contact Lenses?
If you find that wearing contact lenses overnight is necessary for your lifestyle, consider talking to your eye care professional about alternatives. There are several options available, including:
- Extended-wear contact lenses designed specifically for overnight use
- Daily disposable lenses that are comfortable for day-long wear
- Glasses for when you need to give your eyes a rest from contacts
By following the guidance of your eye doctor, you can ensure that you maintain healthy eyes while enjoying the benefits of contact lenses.
Conclusion
While contact lenses offer excellent vision and comfort during the day, sleeping with contact lenses can harm your eyes. Reduced oxygen, dryness, blurry vision, infections, and corneal damage are real risks. Choose the right type of lens, follow your optometrist’s recommendations, and remove your lenses before bedtime. These simple steps help protect your eye health and ensure clear, comfortable vision every day.
FAQs
Is it safe to take a short nap with contact lenses on?
Even short naps with contact lenses are not recommended, especially with daily or non-extended wear lenses. Reduced oxygen during sleep can still cause dryness, irritation, and discomfort.
What should I do if I accidentally sleep with contact lenses?
Remove the lenses as soon as you wake up. Use lubricating eye drops to relieve dryness and avoid wearing lenses for the rest of the day. If redness, pain, or blurred vision persists, consult an eye specialist immediately.
Can sleeping with contact lenses cause permanent eye damage?
Yes, repeated overnight lens use can lead to corneal hypoxia, infections, or scarring. In severe cases, this may cause long-term or permanent vision problems if not treated on time.
Are extended-wear contact lenses completely safe for sleeping?
Extended-wear lenses are designed for overnight use, but they are not risk-free. Sleeping in them still increases the chances of infection compared to removing lenses before sleep. Always follow your eye care provider’s advice.
How can I reduce eye dryness if I wear contact lenses for long hours?
Use lenses recommended for long wear, apply preservative-free lubricating drops, follow proper cleaning routines, and give your eyes regular breaks by switching to glasses when possible.
When should I see a doctor after sleeping with contact lenses?
Seek medical attention if you experience persistent redness, pain, discharge, sensitivity to light, or blurred vision after sleeping with contact lenses. Early treatment helps prevent serious complications.
