For many people who wear contact lenses, it’s an easy mistake: you sit down after a long day, close your eyes for a few minutes, and suddenly wake up hours later still wearing your contacts. While accidentally dozing off in your lenses every once in a while isn’t usually cause for alarm, making a habit of sleeping in your contacts can have real consequences for your eye health. At Illinois Eye Center, we want our patients to understand why removing your contacts before bed is important and what risks come with leaving them in overnight.
Why Sleeping in Contacts Is a Problem
Contact lenses rest directly on the surface of your eye, reducing the amount of oxygen that reaches the cornea. When you’re awake, blinking and natural tear production help your eyes stay moist and allow some oxygen flow. But when you’re asleep, your eyelids are closed and your oxygen supply to the eyes is already lower. Add contact lenses to the mix, and your cornea may not be getting enough oxygen. This can cause discomfort, dryness, and in some cases, more serious complications.
Risks of Habitual Overnight Wear
Wearing contact lenses overnight on a regular basis significantly increases the chances of developing infections or other eye problems. Some of the risks include:
- Eye Infections: The reduced oxygen flow creates an environment where bacteria or other harmful microorganisms can thrive. Sleeping in contacts increases your risk of corneal infections.
- Corneal Ulcers: These painful sores on the cornea can develop when bacteria or fungi penetrate the surface of the eye. Ulcers may cause scarring that affects vision permanently.
- Dryness and Irritation: Contacts already reduce moisture on the eye’s surface. Wearing them overnight can lead to waking up with red, irritated, dry, or gritty-feeling eyes.
- Inflammation: Oxygen deprivation can cause your cornea to swell (edema), resulting in blurred vision and discomfort.
Is It Ever Safe?
There are FDA-approved “extended wear” contact lenses that some people are prescribed to wear overnight. However, even with these lenses, the risk of infection and other complications is higher than with daily removal. If you are considering extended wear lenses, it’s essential to discuss the pros and cons with your Illinois Eye Center provider to determine if they are safe for you.
What to Do If You Accidentally Fall Asleep in Contacts
If you happen to fall asleep in your contacts, don’t panic. Carefully remove them as soon as you wake up. If your eyes feel dry or sticky, use lubricating eye drops and give your eyes some time to recover before putting lenses back in. If you notice persistent redness, pain, sensitivity to light, dryness, or blurred vision, call your Illinois Eye Center provider immediately.
Building Better Contact Lens Habits
To keep your eyes healthy and your vision clear, it’s best to:
- Always remove your contact lenses before sleeping.
- Follow the wearing schedule and replacement timeline recommended by your provider.
- Keep your lenses clean and disinfected according to instructions.
- Give your eyes a break by wearing glasses periodically.
Talk to Your Eye Doctor
Everyone’s eyes are unique, and so are their contact lens needs. If you find yourself frequently falling asleep in your contacts or struggling with discomfort, it may be time to explore different lens options or alternative solutions for clearer, safer vision.
At Illinois Eye Center, our providers are here to help you find the best approach to wearing contacts that fits your lifestyle and protects your eye health. Talk to your Illinois Eye Center provider about your contact lens habits and the safest solutions for you.