We all know those days when fatigue takes over, and the thought of removing our contacts seems like a herculean task. You’re not the only one who’s guilty of occasionally falling asleep with them in, especially after a late night out or while reading in bed. But ever wondered what happens when you sleep with contact lenses in?
While it may seem convenient in the moment, sleeping in contact lenses is a risky business – but there are some exceptions. Let’s explore the dos and don’ts, as well as tips for keeping your eyes healthy without sacrificing convenience.
What happens when you sleep with contacts in?
If you wear contact lenses, chances are they’ve become so routine you barely think about them anymore. But let’s be honest – if you’ve been wearing them for a while, you’ve probably taken some shortcuts, like dozing off with them still in.
Here’s the wake-up call: 99% of contact lens wearers surveyed engage in habits – like regularly sleeping in their lenses – that increase their risk of serious eye infections. And the consequences aren’t just uncomfortable, they’re potentially life-changing. Out of 1,075 cases of keratitis infections studied over a decade, 20% resulted in complications like decreased vision, corneal scarring or even the need for a corneal transplant.
Even if your eyes feel fine after a nap, the long-term risks can add up. So, while it might seem harmless, sleeping in lenses is generally not a good idea. Here’s what happens when you sleep with contact lenses in:
Reduced oxygen flow
The cornea, the clear outer layer of the eye that helps you see clearly, relies on a constant supply of oxygen to stay healthy. While we’re awake, the cornea receives most of its oxygen, as the eyes are open and the air can circulate freely.
Contact lenses, when worn correctly, are safe, but they can reduce the amount of oxygen reaching the cornea (daysoft lenses are super-breathable – read about why we’re the safest in this blog.) This is especially problematic when you sleep. When your eyelids close at night, the cornea receives about a third less oxygen than when your eyes are open. And when you sleep with your contact lenses in, it cuts off even more oxygen, leading to potential issues.
Increased risk of infection
At best, you may experience dryness and discomfort. At worst, you risk developing serious infections in the cornea, which could cause scarring or, in rare cases, vision loss. Sleeping in your lenses can lead to a condition called hypoxia, or oxygen deprivation, which leaves your eyes vulnerable to irritation, inflammation and infections such as ulcers.
The lack of oxygen slows the healing process for the cells in the cornea, which are crucial in defending against infection. When these cells are compromised, bacteria can penetrate deeper layers of the cornea, leading to infection – here’s how to recognise the signs.
Corneal damage
Sleeping with contact lenses can cause tiny scratches on your cornea, increasing its susceptibility to infections or ulcers. Bacteria and debris can get trapped under the lenses and, combined with the warmth and moisture of a closed eye, this creates an ideal environment for infections like keratitis.
While the overall risk is still low (about 3.5 infections per 10,000 daily lens wearers), keratitis – an infection of the cornea – is painful, can cause excessive tearing and, in severe cases, can lead to blindness.
Can you nap in contact lenses?
A quick nap with lenses might feel like no big deal, but the same risks apply. Even short periods can cause discomfort or dryness.
If napping is part of your routine, it’s worth considering whether your lenses are the best fit. Some lenses are approved for occasional overnight use, but always consult your optometrist before making changes.
Oops, you slept in your contacts. Now what?
Whether you dozed off mid-Netflix binge or crashed after a big night out, sleeping with your contacts in happens to the best of us. While it’s not ideal, don’t panic: here’s how to handle it.
Add some eye drops
First, expect your eyes to feel a bit dry and uncomfortable when you wake up. Resist the urge to remove your lenses immediately. Instead, grab some lubricating eye drops and add a couple of drops to loosen the lenses.
Blink a few times
Get the natural tears flowing, but stick with the drops – they’re your best bet for safe removal.
Give your eyes a break
Once your lenses are out, opt for your glasses for the rest of the day to let your eyes recover, and keep them hydrated with eye drops (about four to six times throughout the day).
Be on the lookout for signs of infection
Redness, discharge, pain, blurry vision, excessive watering or sensitivity to light are all issues to be aware of. If you notice anything unusual, don’t hesitate to contact your eye care professional.
Bottom line? Mistakes happen. Just make sure your eyes get the TLC they need to bounce back.
The daysoft difference: why daily disposables are the safer choice
When it comes to minimising risks, daily disposable lenses are a game-changer. Here’s why they’re a smart choice:
- Fresh lenses every day: start each day with a clean, sterile pair, reducing the chance of bacteria buildup.
- No cleaning required: forget about storage solutions or cleaning routines – simply throw them away at the end of the day (or after a nap!).
- Healthier for your eyes: daily disposables ensure you’re always using a lens in optimal condition, which helps protect against irritation and infection.
- Perfect for active lifestyles: whether you’re travelling, working late or just want hassle-free lenses, daysoft daily disposables are convenient and worry free.
A final word on sleeping in contact lenses
Your eyes work hard for you – don’t take them for granted! While skipping your nightly contact lens routine might seem harmless, consistently sleeping in them can lead to serious complications, including infections like keratitis. Even ‘minor’ bad habits, like swimming or showering in contacts, increase your risk.
We know getting up to take your lenses out isn’t fun, but protecting your long-term vision is worth it. Your future self (and your eyes) will thank you! If you’re after a hassle-free solution, try daysoft daily disposables: wear them, dispose of them responsibly, done.
