Is It Safe to Sleep in Contact Lenses? Risks and Remedies
Learn why sleeping in contact lenses can raise infection risk and corneal damage, what to do if you wake up wearing lenses, and practical tips to protect your eye health.
Sleeping in contact lenses is a common habit that can put your eye health at risk. This guide explains the dangers, what to watch for, and steps to take if you wake up still wearing lenses.
Why sleeping in lenses is risky
The clear front of the eye, the cornea, has no blood vessels and relies on tear fluid and the surrounding air for oxygen. Wearing lenses while you sleep blocks air and tears from reaching the cornea, creating a low-oxygen environment that can cause dryness, swelling, and irritation.
Even lenses designed for overnight wear are not meant to be worn while sleeping. Overnight lens use can raise the risk of eye infections by six to eight times. In some cases, short periods of sleep with lenses can lead to serious damage.
There are reported cases, such as a 59-year-old man who wore lenses for two consecutive days. He developed a corneal ulcer that required surgery and a lengthy recovery. This shows how serious the risk can be.
What to do if you accidentally fall asleep in lenses
If you wake up and realize you kept your lenses in overnight, don't rush to remove them. The eye surface may be dry and stiff, which can make removal painful or risky. Start by applying lubricating eye drops to rewet the surface, wait a few minutes, then remove the lenses gently with clean hands.
Keep an eye on your eyes for the next day or two. If vision becomes blurred, the eyes look red, or you have excessive tearing or pain, schedule a visit with an eye care professional as soon as possible. They can check for infection or inflammation and provide treatment.
Avoid reusing the same lenses after symptoms disappear. Cleaning solutions do not reliably kill all germs, and wearing contaminated lenses again can lead to reinfection.
When to seek urgent care
Seek urgent care if you have intense eye pain, a sudden drop in vision, sensitivity to light, or a visible corneal issue. An eye doctor can perform a full exam and treat infections such as keratitis (corneal infection).
Expert opinion
Expert opinion: Eye health professionals consistently advise against wearing contact lenses overnight unless a doctor specifically approves it. If you are unsure about your wear schedule, talk to your eye doctor for guidance.
Bottom line
Sleeping in contact lenses increases the risk of dryness, redness, and infections. If you wake up wearing lenses, rewet the eyes, remove the lenses safely after a short wait, and monitor for symptoms. If symptoms persist or worsen, seek professional care promptly.
Key insight: Never sleep in contact lenses, as extended wear can cause serious eye infections and corneal damage.
Summary
Wearing lenses while you sleep heightens the risk of dryness and eye infections. Even lenses rated for overnight use should not be worn overnight. If you wake up with lenses in place, rewet first, remove them carefully, and seek care if symptoms arise. Following lens wear guidelines protects eye health.