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  • Eye Health & Wellness

What Happens if You Sleep with Contacts In? 

  • Last updated November 3, 2022

6 min read

Danielle Stoken
Written byDanielle Stoken
Jovi Boparai, MD
Reviewed by Jovi Boparai, MD
Danielle Stoken
Danielle StokenEye Health & Wellness ContributorPittsburgh, PA

Bio

I was so excited when I learned about CorneaCare and am honored to share content, tips and stories about dry eye! I am a certified Health Coach through the Institute for Integrative nutrition so the intersection of nutrition/lifestyle and dry eye disease is one that I am particularly passionate about. Since recently becoming a mom, I care even more about my eye care and self-care and am learning so much through CorneaCare's educational resources.

Get to know me a little better!

Hobby: baking sourdough bread
Food: pasta
Superhero: my dad
Guilty pleasure: cold brew coffee (really, any coffee)
Secret power: serious facial recognition/recollection

Training:

Undergraduate: Carnegie Mellon University
Nutrition training: Institute for Integrative Nutrition

Jovi Boparai, MD
Jovi Boparai, MDCo-founder & CEO of CorneaCarePhiladelphia, PA

Bio

Dry eye disease is tough! I get it. I have struggled with dry eyes for several years from contact lens use, and from spending countless hours looking at computer screens. In college, my dry eyes got so bad that I couldn’t wear contact lenses, because of a constant “foreign body sensation” when I had them in. I had to stop reading every 30 minutes because my eyes would start to burn and my vision would get blurry. I tried a plethora of treatments and nothing seemed to work. Dry eye disease was not only impacting my eyes, but also my emotional wellbeing. It was preventing me from enjoying life, and getting in the way of my professional training. I felt overwhelmed, frustrated and hopeless.

It was only when I realized that my dry eyes were linked to my lifestyle, environment and overall health did things start to make sense. I noticed that on days when I spent less time on the computer, my eyes felt better. My symptoms would flare when it was windy, or when there was low humidity. I knew that if I wanted to get ahead of my dry eyes, I needed to not only treat my eyes, but to also address my lifestyle. I started a consistent regimen of artificial tears and eyelid hygiene. I switched from monthly contact lenses to daily contact lenses. I started taking scheduled breaks from looking at a computer. I ate a healthier diet focused on anti-inflammatory/antioxidants foods, and I bought a humidifier for my room. In the beginning doing all this seemed impossible, but over time it became part of my usual routine. Not only did my eyes feel better, but I was overall healthier and happier! Turns out what is good for my eyes, was also good for my mind and body. I carried this lesson with me as I started my career to become an ophthalmologist and ophthalmic surgeon.

Because of my personal journey and professional training, I believe dry eye treatment starts by listening to and empowering the patient. I listen for the struggles and cue in on their strengths, while picking up on their lifestyle. Only then do we together start building a treatment plan that incorporates good eye hygiene with small, but impactful lifestyle changes. Our sight is our most important sense, and it is intimately linked to our very being. I want dry eye patients to not only get their dry eyes under control, but to also enjoy good mental and physical health, and live a fulfilling life. What is good for the eyes should also strengthen the mind and fortify the body!

Get to know me a little better!

Hobby: vintage watches
Food: peanut butter
Superhero: Superman
Guilty pleasure: desserts
Secret power: has never had a headache

Training:

Undergraduate: University of Pittsburgh Honors College
Medical school: Weill Cornell Medicine
Ophthalmology residency: Wills Eye Hospital.

What Happens if you Sleep with Contacts in?

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Table of Contents

Ever Wondered What Happens if You Sleep with Contacts In?

If you wear contact lenses, you may be wondering what happens if you sleep with contacts in?

This article will explore what the experts say about sleeping (or napping) while wearing contact lenses, what issues can arise, and how to keep your eyes healthy every day while wearing contacts. 

“Contact lenses can be a great option, especially for people who don’t like wearing glasses,” says Ophthalmologist Jovi Boparai, MD.  “However, proper contact lens hygiene is critical; otherwise, you run the risk of complications, like infection and inflammation.”

Key Points

  • Contact lenses are a convenient and safe alternative to eyeglasses when cared for correctly. 
  • Sleeping in contact lenses can lead to eye infections, scarring and vision loss. 
  • Know the do’s and don’ts of contact lens wear to protect your eyes from damaging problems. 
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moisturize your skin,
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Taking the First Step

Chances are you fall into one of two camps. You’re either part of the camp that abides by strict contact lens hygiene, never sleeping in your contacts nor wearing them longer than the recommended duration. Or, you are a bit more lax and sometimes doze off while your contacts are still in your eyes. 

Maybe your contacts are so comfortable that you often forget to remove them. Or, you’re chronically sleep-deprived and fall asleep before you can safely remove them. 

Sleeping in contacts is a bad idea, but why? First, let’s understand the function and types of contacts and how they affect the eye. 

Understanding Contact Lenses

Contact lenses have come a long way since their invention over 130 years ago. We can only imagine that they must be much more comfortable than they were at that time!

Contact lenses are pieces of small, thin plastic that float on your tear film covering the cornea.¹ The goal of contact lenses (and glasses) is to correct your eyesight to 20/20 vision.¹ 

Depending on your overall eye health and lifestyle, your eye doctor will prescribe hard (gas permeable) or soft contact lenses. While most people find that soft lenses are more comfortable, hard contacts may be better for people with astigmatism (abnormal curvature of the eye) or keratoconus (abnormal outpouching of the cornea), which cause blurry vision.¹ This is because hard contact lenses are rigid and hold their shape better than soft ones.¹ 

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You can buy soft contact lenses in daily disposable form (made with silicone hydrogel that helps lubricate and provide longer-lasting comfort) or extended wear lenses that last a few weeks. Your eye doctor (optometrist or ophthalmologist) will consult with you to find the best solution to your unique situation. 

Who Says Sleeping In Contacts Isn’t Safe?

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), that’s who.

The CDC reports that sleeping in contacts is the most common mistake contacts lens wearers make.² Almost one-third of people who wear contact lenses report sleeping or napping while wearing them.² 

These wearers are six to eight times more likely to experience eye infections than people who don’t sleep in their lenses.² Eye infections can lead to corneal damage that requires surgery and, in some cases, causes vision loss.²

Sleeping in contacts is just one on a long list of “contact lens wear don’ts” provided by the CDC. That list also includes showering with contact lenses, swimming without taking them out first and cleaning contacts with tap water or, worse, saliva.³

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What About Contacts Designed for Sleep?

Contact lens companies market extended wear lenses as safe for sleep for a few weeks. They are even Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved. However, you may want to reconsider before choosing convenience for your eyes. 

Just like we need air to breathe, so do our eyes. Because contact lenses cover the entire cornea that receives oxygen, when you wear contact lenses, your eyes experience oxygen deprivation.⁴  Contacts do let some oxygen in, but not enough oxygen that warrants wearing them for longer than recommended. 

When you sleep in contacts, the amount of oxygen they receive is even lower, thus increasing your risk of infection. Moreover, dust, debris, allergens and pathogens can become trapped under the lens, increasing the risk of overnight discomfort and complications.

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Sleeping in Contacts Leads to Serious Eye Problems

The most serious eye problem that results from sleeping in contacts is infection. Most people will first experience an infection before more serious damage occurs to the cornea. 

If infections and corneal damage are not caught early and properly cared for, you risk permanent corneal scarring, needing complex surgeries and experiencing vision loss. 

Eye Infections and Corneal Damage from Sleeping in Contacts

Several different eye infections result from sleeping in contact lenses.

  • Microbial keratitis (sometimes referred to as corneal ulcers) is an infection of the cornea that is typically caused by bacteria, and less frequently, by viruses and fungi⁵ It is the most common eye infection from contact lens wear.⁵ 

Symptoms of keratitis are similar to dry eye symptoms, but much more severe, like pain and soreness, red eyes, watery eyes, foreign object sensation, light sensitivity and blurry vision.⁵ 

Key symptoms of dry eye disease

If you wear contacts and experience these symptoms, see your eye doctor immediately to start treatment before corneal scarring occurs.⁵ 

  • Acanthamoeba keratitis is a rare eye infection that primarily affects contacts lens wearers.⁶ 

Amoebae called acanthamoeba cause acanthamoeba keratitis. These microorganisms live in natural environments like bodies of water and soil and can make their way into the eye and under contact lenses, wreaking havoc on the eyes.⁶

You may not realize you are suffering from this type of infection because the symptoms are similar to other eye conditions like dry eyes.⁵ 

Again, it is best to see an eye doctor immediately when you start to experience symptoms. If left untreated, acanthamoeba keratitis can cause vision loss and blindness.⁵ 

  • A corneal abrasion is a common problem that contact lens wearers experience when they don’t follow proper contact lens hygiene. 

A corneal abrasion is a cut or scratch to the cornea.⁶ While you can experience corneal abrasions from scratching your eye or trauma, foreign objects under a contact lens or a torn lens can also injure the cornea.⁶ 

You’ll likely experience sharp pain, watering eyes, and light sensitivity if you have a corneal abrasion.⁶ Corneal abrasions are a risk factor for infections, so it’s best to have an eye doctor examine the eye. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotic eye drops and suggest a cold compress for comfort.⁶ 

Tips to Keep Your Eyes Safe While Wearing Contacts

Contact lenses are a convenient way to see the world. They help athletes see without restrictions, they look great and are a relatively safe alternative to wearing eyeglasses. Only, of course, if you care for them properly. 

Now you know what can go wrong if you sleep with contacts in. Aside from avoiding sleeping while wearing contact lenses, here are a few tips to keep in mind as part of your overall contact and eye care strategy:⁷

  • Get in the habit of a daily eyelid hygiene routine to keep your eyes clean, hydrated and refreshed.
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  • Always wash your hands before handling contact lenses, cases and solution. 
  • Gently rub your contacts while cleaning them with solution to remove debris. 
  • Always use fresh contact lens solution to clean and store your lenses and never use tap water or other substances to clean or store contacts.
  • Always wear sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat when in the sun as contact lenses can cause your eyes to be more sensitive to light.
  • Never shower, bathe, swim or use a hot tub while wearing contacts. Water, chemicals and soap can get trapped behind the lens and lead to infection. 
  • If you experience dryness from contacts, use only contact-lens compatible artificial tears or remove lenses before applying eye drops. 
  • Stay on top of your regular eye exams and talk to your eye doctor about any eye discomfort or concerns you have.
  • If you are away from home and can’t safely store your contacts before sleeping, it’s still best to remove them and find alternative transportation in the morning. 

Putting It All Together

Your eye health is important to your overall health and wellbeing. 

Taking care of your eyes while wearing contacts is an important component of eye health. Because eye infections from contact lens use are common and can happen quickly, it’s best to take every precaution to avoid damaging your eyes. 

When your eyes feel good, you can freely explore the world around you. Make eyecare a part of your daily wellness routine to continue to experience life comfortably!

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What’s Next

Learn to love your eyes! Read more eye health and wellness tips on our blog.

Bibliography

  1. Boyd, Kierstan. “Contact Lenses for Vision Correction.” American Academy of Ophthalmology, 4 March 2021, https://www.aao.org/eye-health/glasses-contacts/contact-lens-102. Accessed 15 April 2022.
  2. Cope, Jennifer R. “Corneal Infections Associated with Sleeping in Contact Lenses…” CDC, 17 August 2018, https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/67/wr/mm6732a2.htm. Accessed 15 April 2022.
  3. “Contact Lens Wearer Demographics and Risk Behaviors for Contact Lens-Related Eye Infections — United States, 2014.” CDC, 21 August 2015, https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6432a2.htm?s_cid=mm6432a2_w. Accessed 15 April 2022.
  4. Heiting, Gary. “Can Contact Lenses Damage Your Eyes? – AllAboutVision.com.” All About Vision, https://www.allaboutvision.com/contacts/faq/cls-damage-eyes.htm. Accessed 15 April 2022.
  5. Boyd, Kierstan. “Eye Infections From Contact Lenses.” American Academy of Ophthalmology, 30 April 2021, https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/contact-lens-related-eye-infections. Accessed 15 April 2022.
  6. “How Could Contact Lens Wearers Be at Risk of Acanthamoeba Infection? A Review.” NCBI, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3972779/. Accessed 15 April 2022.
  7. Cleveland Clinic. “Contact Lenses.” Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, 17 March 2015, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/10737-contact-lenses. Accessed 15 April 2022.

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