The short answer is: no, you should not sleep in your contacts. Wearing contact lenses overnight can be dangerous and damaging to the eyes – it’s not safe to sleep with any type of contact lenses including soft contacts, rigid gas permeable lenses, and colored contacts. A common problem that may arise while sleeping in contact lenses is irritation and redness in the eye. However, there are other serious problems that can arise in the cornea of your eye, that might even lead to bigger problems with your vision. Some issues that may occur include an increased risk of eye infections, corneal ulcers, and other complications that could lead to vision loss or permanent damage to your eyes. 

How to properly wear contacts

Contact lenses are beneficial during the day; they are designed to correct your vision and improve the clarity of your sight, but they are not meant to be worn when you sleep. In addition to the potential problems listed above, sleeping with contact lenses can also cause dehydration of the eyes as well as dryness that can lead to eye discomfort, itching, and redness. To protect against infection and short or long-term damage to your eyes, it is important to follow your eye doctor’s instructions for proper cleaning and storage, and to not exceed wearing your contacts longer than the advised number of hours. Properly cleaning and storing your contacts after each use can help reduce the risk of eye infections and ensure that you are able to wear them safely day or night.

Why sleeping in contacts is bad for your eyes

It is best to consult with your eye care professional before attempting any type of overnight contact lens wear. Contact lenses absorb moisture from the eye, making it much harder for the eyes to receive oxygen, especially while sleeping.  This can cause bacteria to accumulate on contact lenses and in the eyes, which is a major factor causing eye infections. Wearing contacts while sleeping reduces the amount of oxygen your eyes receive, leading to discomfort and irritation. The dryness from not enough oxygen may also lead to corneal ulcers and other serious complications such as permanent vision loss. Properly cleaning and storing your contacts after each use can help reduce the risk of eye infections and ensure that you are able to wear them safely day or night. 

If you need vision correction overnight, opt for eyeglasses instead.  If you do accidentally sleep in your contacts, be sure to remove them as soon as possible and seek medical attention if you experience any discomfort or irritation. 

Contact Johns Creek Eyecare for your eye care needs

Remember: sleeping in your contacts is never recommended and can lead to serious eye problems.  It is always best to consult with your eye care professional for proper wear and care of your contacts. Professionals like the opthamologists at Johns Creek Eyecare can provide guidance on the safest and most effective way to wear your contacts, as well as the best types of lenses to use while sleeping.  If you are in the Johns Creek area, contact the eyecare professionals at John’s Creek Eyecare for your eye care and contact lens questions.  By following the advice of your eye care professional, you can ensure that you are wearing contacts safely the safest way possible.