You settle into bed after a long day, maybe you’re even about to fall asleep, and suddenly you realize your contacts are still in. The bathroom feels miles away, so you consider just closing your eyes for the night. Our team at Total Vision Novato understands that contact lens care can feel like an annoying addition to your routine, but we want you to know that skipping good habits places unnecessary stress on your vision.
You shouldn’t sleep in most contact lenses unless they’re specifically prescribed for overnight wear. This is because closed eyelids reduce oxygen flow and trap bacteria directly against your eye. Always take your lenses out before going to sleep.
The Risks of Overnight Contact Lens Wear
Bacterial Infections and Ulcers
Your contacts sit directly on the clear front surface of your eye, which is called the cornea. When you sleep in them, any dirt trapped underneath your contacts stays pressed against that sensitive tissue, which means bacteria can multiply rapidly.
These trapped bacteria can lead to painful eye infections. You also face a higher chance of developing open sores on your cornea. Wearing lenses overnight increases your risk for both of these problems, but the solution is easy: Take your contacts out before bed.
Reduced Oxygen Supply
Your eyes need a steady flow of oxygen to stay clear and healthy. When you close your eyelids to sleep, you naturally reduce that oxygen supply. The contact lens adds an extra barrier that prevents even more air from reaching your eye.
This reduced oxygen supply can cause the cornea to swell and become cloudy. Swollen corneas can blur your vision and leave your eyes feeling tired and uncomfortable the next day.
How Sleep Changes Your Eyes and Lenses
Severe Dryness
Tears play an important role for your eyes: They help wash away debris and keep your eyes feeling comfortable and hydrated. When you drift off to sleep, your tear production drops naturally. Without a steady stream of tears, your eyes lose their natural moisture defense.
This is important because contact lenses need moisture to stay soft and clear. When your natural tear production slows, and the contacts are still in, they can disrupt your tear film and worsen the dryness you feel. If you sleep in your contacts, you’ll likely wake up with eyes that feel gritty, dry, and uncomfortable.
Lens Displacement
Your eyelids move during the night as you dream. This movement can push a dry contact lens out of its proper place, causing it to fold over or get stuck high under your eyelid.
A stuck lens feels like a grain of sand trapped in your eye. If you rub your eyes while asleep, the misplaced lens can scratch the surface of your eye. These scratches hurt and take time to heal properly.
Signs of Trouble After You Wake Up
You might notice a few unexpected changes if you accidentally spend the night in your lenses. Watch out for these specific signs when you look in the mirror:
- Redness: Your eyes look irritated due to a lack of oxygen.
- Blurry vision: Swollen corneas make your morning sight cloudy and unfocused.
- Unusual fluids: You experience watery eyes or find a sticky buildup in the corners.
Steps to Take If You Fall Asleep in Lenses
Remove Lenses Safely
Waking up with dry lenses means you need to be careful because pulling a dry lens off your eye can scrape the delicate surface. Follow a safe removal process to protect your vision:
- Apply rewetting drops and blink to help the lens float again.
- Nudge the lenses out smoothly without pinching or pulling too hard.
Rest Your Eyes
Your eyes need time to recover after an unexpected night in lenses. We often recommend switching to your glasses for the rest of the day, which can help your corneas absorb fresh oxygen and heal from the dry environment.
Keep an eye out for any lingering pain or redness as the day goes on. Our eye doctor in Novato can examine your eyes if the irritation lasts and check for hidden damage.
Naps, Extended Wear Lenses, and Safe Habits
Short Naps with Lenses
You might think a quick rest on the couch is completely safe. However, even a brief nap raises your risk for dryness and eye infections. Your closed eyelids still reduce oxygen and trap bacteria during that short time.
Always take your contacts out before you settle down to sleep, even if it’s just a nap. Sleeping for just a few minutes can leave your eyes feeling dry and uncomfortable when you wake up, but a few seconds of preparation can keep them feeling fresh.
Extended Wear Options
Some modern contacts allow for approved overnight wear. These specific lenses let more oxygen pass through the material while you sleep. The eye doctor can evaluate if these options fit your lifestyle and eye health needs.
The Importance of Eye Exams
Routine eye exams help keep your vision safe and clear. Our entire eye care team at Total Vision Novato takes the time to understand your eyes and their specific needs so that they can support the unique aspects of your family’s eye health with personalized strategies.
Schedule Your Visit
Developing a healthy evening routine is important for keeping your eyes comfortable and clear. Whether you’re trying contacts for the first time or you’re a seasoned pro, we’d love to help you find the right contact lenses for your unique needs. Schedule your visit today.
