“Is it okay to fall asleep with your contact lenses on?”
I just started to wear contact lenses and the other day, I actually fell asleep with them on. Nothing happened, but can sleeping with contact lenses on be dangerous?
12 Answers
Sleeping with your contact lenses on can be dangerous and can increase the risk of infection.
Yes, sleeping in your contacts increases your chance of an eye infection by 50 times. Do not sleep in your contacts!
It is not a good idea to sleep with contact lenses on. It predisposes you to infections, some of which can be severe. Careful hygiene and good technique is mandatory for long-term safe contact lens wear.
Sleeping in contact lenses is the number one risk factor for blinding infections of the cornea. You should never sleep with your lenses in.
No! It increases your risk of a corneal ulcer which is extremely painful and associated with vision loss and potentially cessation of contact lens wear
It is not OK unless you have extended wear contact lenses. Not enough oxygen exchange.
No it is not OK to fall asleep in your contacts. They have to be the proper kind, approved for extended wear. If you do HAPPEN to fall asleep, don't panic and rip them out. If they are soft lenses rub the eyelid lightly over the lens and wet it well, then you can remove it. If they are gas permeable then the same applies just move the lens to make sure that it is not locked on. Do everything slowly and lightly. Putting a drop of saline or artificial tear in before you remove them will make everything easier and healthier.
Robert Maynard O.D.
Phoenix, Az.
Robert Maynard O.D.
Phoenix, Az.
Yes, sleeping in contact lenses can definitely be dangerous because it could possibly lead to eye infections, which in the worst case scenario can cause permanent vision loss and/or blindness. I would high recommend NOT sleeping in your contacts in the future!
Yes, sleeping in your contacts raises your risk of getting a corneal ulcer by 9 times.
Yes a nap is ok but if you routinely sleep with them at night you are much more likely to get a serious infection
No, it’s not okay. DO NOT SLEEP, swim, or take showers in them.
Not a good idea. You use contacts only when needed, i.e., to see. Remove when sleeping. You increase the risk of eye infection and damage if done repeatedly.
