Sleeping in Contact Lenses: Risks, Safety Tips, and Alternative
Many wearers accidentally fall asleep in contact lenses. Safety depends on the lens type and your recommended schedule. Most lenses should be removed before sleeping. However, some extended wear contact lenses are approved for overnight wear.
Overnight wear is not suitable for everyone. It carries a higher risk of complications than daytime wear. It is important to understand the difference between ordinary and extended wear lenses.
Can You Sleep with Contact Lenses?
Do not sleep in lenses unless they are approved for overnight wear. A qualified eye care professional must also advise this schedule is suitable for you.
Less oxygen reaches the cornea when eyes are closed. Tear movement is also reduced. Sleeping in lenses can increase these effects. This is associated with risks like microbial keratitis, a serious corneal infection.
This risk applies to extended wear lenses too. Their materials are designed to allow high levels of oxygen to the cornea.
What Are Extended Wear or 24/7 Contact Lenses?
Extended wear contact lenses are specially designed lenses that may be worn overnight for a specified period. They are usually made from highly oxygen-permeable silicone hydrogel materials.
The term “24/7 contact lenses” does not mean every lens can be worn for a month. Approved schedules vary between products.
For example:
- Biofinity 6-pack is a monthly silicone hydrogel lens suitable for overnight wear for up to 6 nights and 7 days.
- Air Optix Night & Day Aqua 6-pack is designed for extended wear for up to 30 continuous nights when prescribed for this schedule.
- PureVision 2 HD 6-pack is a monthly silicone hydrogel lens that can be suitable for extended wear for up to 30 days.
Follow the approved wearing schedule for your exact lens. Also follow the specific recommendations received for your eyes.
Can You Sleep in Monthly Contact Lenses?
Being a monthly contact lens does not automatically mean that a lens can be worn while sleeping. “Monthly” normally describes the replacement interval: how long the lens can be used before it should be replaced.
The wearing schedule is a separate specification. Some monthly lenses are intended only for daytime wear, while certain monthly lenses are approved for extended or continuous wear.
Do not assume you can sleep in a lens based on material. Check the specific product instructions. Follow the schedule recommended by your optician.
Can You Sleep in Daily Contact Lenses?
Daily disposable contact lenses are designed to be worn during the day and discarded after use. They should normally be removed before sleeping or taking a nap.
Daily disposable lenses are not suitable for overnight wear. If you accidentally sleep in them, remove and discard them comfortably. Do not wear them for another day.
What Are the Risks of Sleeping in Contact Lenses?
The main concern with overnight contact lens wear is the increased risk of eye complications. Potential problems include:
- Eye infection: Overnight wear increases the risk of microbial keratitis and other contact lens-related infections.
- Reduced oxygen: Closing the eyelids already reduces the oxygen available to the cornea. A contact lens adds another barrier, although modern silicone hydrogel lenses allow considerably more oxygen through than many older materials.
- Dryness and discomfort: Lenses may feel dry or become more difficult to remove after sleeping.
- Redness or blurred vision: Irritation, corneal swelling or other complications may cause redness or changes in vision.
This is why lenses intended for extended wear require an appropriate fit, good hygiene and regular contact lens check-ups.
What Should You Do If You Accidentally Sleep in Your Contact Lenses?
Do not panic if you wake up in non-overnight lenses. Do not pull at a lens if it feels stuck.
Blink several times. Use lubricating eye drops suitable for contact lens wearers. Let the eye moisten so the lens moves normally before removing it.
Daily disposable lenses should be discarded. Reusable lenses should be cleaned and disinfected with an appropriate contact lens solution before they are used again.
Giving your eyes a break afterwards can be sensible. Remove lenses and seek professional advice if redness, pain, or blurred vision persists.
Are Extended Wear Contact Lenses Right for Everyone?
No. A lens may be approved for overnight wear. However, extended wear may not be suitable for every person.
Tear film, prescription, and eye health influence whether overnight wear is appropriate. Use regular check-ups. Extended wear carries a greater risk of complications than daily wear.
Sleeping in Contact Lenses: What to Remember
The safest rule is to remove lenses before sleeping. Only sleep in lenses approved and recommended for you.
Explore extended or 24/7 wear lenses if overnight wear is important. Do not sleep in ordinary lenses. Follow the approved schedule for your specific product.