Is It Safe to Sleep with Contact Lenses?

Optogenesis.
Jun 5
2 min read

What Every Contact Lens Wearer Needs to Know

Wearing contact lenses brings freedom from glasses — but with freedom comes responsibility. One of the most common mistakes new (and even experienced) wearers make is falling asleep with their lenses on.

Unless prescribed for overnight wear, sleeping in contact lenses can be harmful to your eyes. Let’s explore why — and how to protect your vision.

🌙 Why Is Sleeping in Contacts Risky?

While we sleep, our eyes receive significantly less oxygen. When lenses remain in, they act like a barrier, reducing oxygen flow even more. This creates the perfect conditions for:

Bacterial growth
Dryness and irritation
Inflammation and infection

Over time, these risks can seriously impact your eye health — and in some cases, even threaten your vision.

🚨 Potential Complications Include:

Condition	Description
Corneal Ulcers	Painful open sores on the eye surface, often caused by bacterial infections
Contact Lens-Related Red Eye (CLARE)	Inflammatory reaction that can occur even after a single night of wear
Dryness & Discomfort	Caused by reduced tear exchange and oxygen flow
Blurred Vision	Resulting from swelling, irritation, or corneal damage
Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)	Easily triggered by poor lens hygiene and overnight wear

🕊️ If You Accidentally Sleep in Your Contacts…

Don’t panic — just follow these steps:

Don’t force removal. Blink gently and use rewetting drops.
Wait a few minutes until the lens is naturally rehydrated.
Remove carefully.
Avoid wearing lenses for at least 24 hours to let your eyes recover.
If you notice redness, pain, or blurred vision — contact your eye care provider immediately.

🌟 Can You Ever Sleep in Contact Lenses?

Yes — but only if your lenses are FDA-approved for extended wear, and only under the guidance of an optometrist. These lenses (like some silicone hydrogel types) allow more oxygen to reach your cornea, but they still carry risk and require regular eye check-ups.

🛡️ Tips for Safer Contact Lens Use

❌ Never sleep in lenses unless approved by your optometrist
🧴 Always follow proper cleaning and storage guidelines
⏰ Set reminders to remove your lenses before bed
👓 Keep a pair of glasses nearby for late nights

👁️‍🗨️ At Optogenesis, Your Eye Health Comes First

We offer:

Daily, monthly, and extended-wear options
Education on best practices for lens care
Ongoing support from qualified professionals

📞 Book your consultation today — and let your eyes rest easy.