Almost every contact lens wearer has experienced it. You intended to rest for just a few minutes, but you woke up much later with your contact lenses still in your eyes. Your vision may feel blurry, your eyes may seem dry, and you might wonder if you’ve caused any lasting damage.
One accidental nap doesn’t always lead to a serious problem, but sleeping in contact lenses isn’t a habit you want to develop. In this blog, we’ll explain why overnight wear increases your risk of eye complications, discuss the difference between standard contacts and ortho-k lenses, and share tips for wearing contacts safely.
Can you wear contact lenses while you sleep?
In most cases, no. Our eye doctors in New Hartford and Avon recommend removing contact lenses before sleeping, whether you’re heading to bed for the night or taking an afternoon nap.
Your eyes need a steady supply of oxygen to stay healthy. During sleep, less oxygen reaches the surface of the eye because your eyelids remain closed. Contact lenses reduce that oxygen supply even more, making the cornea more susceptible to irritation and infection.
Sleeping in contacts can increase your risk of:
- Eye infections
- Corneal ulcers
- Swollen corneas
- Dry, irritated eyes
- Damage to the outer layer of the cornea
Although a single incident may not cause permanent harm, sleeping in your contacts regularly greatly increases your chances of developing a more serious eye condition.
Are extended-wear contacts different?
Some soft contact lenses are approved for overnight wear, but they are not appropriate for every patient.
Before recommending extended-wear lenses, your eye doctor considers several factors, including:
- Your overall eye health
- Tear film quality
- Contact lens material
- Your prescription
- Previous eye infections or inflammation
Even if you wear lenses approved for overnight use, removing them before bed often remains the healthiest option for your eyes.
What if you accidentally fall asleep with your contacts in?
If you wake up wearing your contacts, don’t try to remove them immediately if they feel dry or stuck.
Instead:
- Blink several times to help restore moisture.
- Use lubricating eye drops if your eye doctor recommends them.
- Wait until the lenses move freely.
- Remove them carefully.
- Allow your eyes to recover before inserting contacts again.
If you notice pain, increasing redness, light sensitivity, discharge, or blurry vision that doesn’t improve, schedule an eye exam right away.
Do short naps carry the same risks?
Yes, even a short nap can affect your eyes if you wear contacts. Oxygen levels drop anytime your eyelids are closed, regardless of how long you sleep.
A 20-minute nap doesn’t carry the same level of risk as a full night of overnight wear, but it can still contribute to dryness, irritation, and discomfort. If there’s a chance you might doze off, removing your lenses beforehand is always the safer choice.
Healthy contact lens habits
A few consistent habits can help protect your eyes and keep your lenses comfortable:
- Remove lenses before sleeping or napping
- Replace lenses on schedule—not just when they start feeling uncomfortable
- Wash and dry your hands thoroughly before handling lenses
- Clean reusable lenses with fresh solution every day
- Never reuse or top off old solution
- Replace your lens case every few months
- Keep up with your annual contact lens exam
Keep your eyes healthy
Contact lenses offer excellent vision and real convenience, but they depend on consistent, responsible care. Removing lenses before sleep is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect your eyes and reduce your risk of complications.
At Avon Vision Associates in Avon and New Hartford Eye Associates in New Hartford, we provide comprehensive contact lens exams and personalized fittings. Our team specializes in finding the right lens for every patient, including specialty contact lenses for conditions like keratoconus, dry eye, and moderate to severe astigmatism.
Whether you’re new to contacts or have struggled to find lenses that work for your eyes, we have the expertise and solutions to help. Schedule an appointment to find contact lenses that fit your vision, comfort, and lifestyle.
