If you've ever wondered about the safety of sleeping in contacts, you're not alone. Many people wonder if wearing lenses overnight is safe or even recommended by optometrists. In this post, we'll be diving into the facts to provide clarity on whether it's safe or not to sleep with your contacts on. We’ll share what makes it unsafe and why leaving them off at night can be beneficial for contact lens wearers.

Overview of Sleeping in Contacts:

Sleeping in contacts can be a convenient and hassle-free way to maintain clear vision without having to take them out each night. It's important to consider the potential drawbacks before deciding if this option is right for you.

Pros:

It saves time and can be especially useful for those with active lifestyles.

Cons:

Wearing contacts while sleeping can increase the risk of infection, irritation, and damage to the eyes.

Types of Contact Lenses and Their Effect on Sleeping:

Contact lenses are a popular choice for vision correction, providing a convenient and effective alternative to glasses. With advancements in technology, there are now several types of contact lenses available to suit different needs. These types include;

1. Daily disposables
2. Extended wear lenses
3. Rigid gas permeable lenses

While contact lenses offer flexibility during the day, their effects on sleeping can vary depending on the type. Daily disposables are generally considered the most comfortable for sleeping, while extended wear lenses and rigid gas permeable lenses can cause discomfort and dry eyes.

How to Prepare to Sleep in Contacts?

If you're someone who likes to wear contacts, you may be wondering if it's safe to sleep in them. There are steps you can take to prepare your eyes for overnight wear.

• Make sure to give your eyes a break from contacts during the day to allow them to breathe and rest.
• You should also clean your contacts thoroughly before bed and use a contact solution that is specifically designed for overnight wear.
• Try not to sleep in your contacts every night and give your eyes a break from overnight wear at least once a week.

Does Sleeping in Contacts Increase the Risk of Eye Infection or Irritation?

Many people wonder whether sleeping in contacts can lead to eye infections or irritation. The truth is, sleeping in contacts does increase the risk of complications. When lenses are left in overnight, they can become dry and dirty, leading to bacterial infections or corneal damage.

Depriving your eyes of oxygen by wearing contacts for too long can cause discomfort and irritation. Although it may seem convenient to sleep in your contacts, it is important to prioritize the health of your eyes and properly care for your lenses to avoid potential risks.

Tips for Cleaning and Storing Contact Lenses before Bedtime:

For those of us that wear contact lenses, we all know the importance of properly cleaning and storing them before we go to bed. Not only does it help keep our eyes healthy, but it can also prolong the life of our lenses. So, what are some tips for doing this?

• Always start with clean hands to avoid introducing bacteria into your eyes.
• Make sure to gently rub and rinse each lens with solution to remove any debris or bacteria that may be lingering.
• Store your lenses in a proper case with fresh solution to allow them to sterilize and soak overnight.

By following these tips, you can better ensure a comfortable sleep and healthy eyes in the morning.

Alternatives to Sleeping in Contacts (Sleeping Aids, Eye Drops, etc.):

There are plenty of alternatives to sleeping in contacts.

• Eye drops are a great option for combatting dryness and discomfort throughout the day, and can also be used before bed to soothe your eyes.
• There are sleeping aids available that can help you fall asleep more easily without the discomfort of contacts.

Whether it's utilizing these options or simply making a habit of removing your contacts before bed, there are plenty of ways to ensure a comfortable and restful night's sleep.

Conclusion:

Sleeping in contacts is not recommended for most contact lens users due to the high risk of damage to the eyes from lack of oxygen and potential accumulation of bacteria over night. It is up to each individual to assess the personal risks taken before deciding whether or not to sleep in their lenses. Individuals considering sleeping with contacts should take special care when cleaning and storing contact lenses before bedtime and may want to consider alternative solutions such as sleeping aids, eye drops, eye masks and other forms of protection that can help shield the eyes from bacteria and dryness throughout the night.