Sleeping in Contacts: Why It’s Risky and What to Do Instead

Contact lenses are a convenient way to see clearly without glasses, but they come with responsibilities. One of the biggest mistakes many wearers make is falling asleep while still wearing their lenses. Even if it happens occasionally, sleeping in contacts can put your eyes at risk for serious complications. Here’s why you should avoid it and what you can do instead.
 

Reduced Oxygen to the Eyes

Your corneas need oxygen to stay healthy, and contact lenses already reduce the amount that reaches the surface of the eye. When you sleep, your eyelids are closed, and oxygen levels drop even further. This lack of oxygen can lead to corneal swelling, discomfort, and long-term damage.
 

Increased Risk of Eye Infections

Sleeping in contact lenses creates a warm, moist environment where bacteria can thrive. This significantly increases your risk of developing infections such as microbial keratitis, which can be painful and potentially vision-threatening.

Dryness and Irritation

Contacts can trap debris and reduce tear flow. When you sleep in them, you may wake up with red, irritated, or dry eyes that make wearing lenses the next day uncomfortable and unsafe.
 

What to Do Instead

• Stick to a Routine: Make removing your lenses part of your nightly routine- just like brushing your teeth. Keeping a lens case and solution on your nightstand can help ensure you don’t forget.

• Use Daily Disposable Lenses: If you tend to fall asleep with your lenses in, daily disposables may be a safer option. You can simply remove and throw them away before bed without the hassle of cleaning and storing them.

• Keep Backup Glasses Handy: Having a comfortable pair of glasses nearby makes it easier to switch out of your lenses at night without feeling inconvenienced.

Consider Refractive Surgery as an Alternative

If you find yourself relying heavily on contacts but struggle with habits like sleeping in them, LASIK surgery or other form of refractive surgery may be worth considering. LASIK is a safe and effective procedure that reshapes the cornea to correct common vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. By reducing or even eliminating your dependence on contact lenses, you can avoid many of the risks tied to improper lens use.

At BLINK, Dr. Coen offers LASIK co-management services. That means we work closely with trusted surgeons to ensure you receive the best possible care before and after your procedure. Our team will handle your pre-operative evaluations, answer your questions, and provide post-operative follow-up visits to monitor your healing and long-term vision health. With this collaborative approach, you can feel confident knowing your care is consistent, coordinated, and tailored to your needs.
 

Ready to Explore Your Options?

Sleeping in contacts may feel harmless in the moment, but the risks to your eye health are real. From infections to long-term damage, it’s never worth the gamble. By following healthy habits and working with your eye doctor, you can enjoy the convenience of contacts without putting your vision at risk.

At BLINK, we’re here to help you find safe, comfortable solutions for your vision needs. Schedule an eye exam to explore contact lens options or refractive surgery and get expert advice on protecting your eye health. Visit our office on Newbury Street in Boston, or reach us at (617) 780-0728 to book your appointment today.