Why it’s dangerous to sleep in your contact lenses

If you’re one of the 45 million people in the United States who wears contact lenses, removing them each night may already be part of your evening routine. However, if you’re not properly cleansing or storing your lenses—or if you’re wearing them to sleep—you may be putting yourself at risk for serious, painful eye infections.

Risk of eye infection

Some contacts are extended wear lenses, worn continually for up to 30 days and nights. These should be cleaned periodically and are generally recommended less often because they raise infection risk. There are also contacts that are single-use and disposed of at the end of each day. Most contact lenses, however, are intended to be taken out nightly and cleaned. Sleeping in them can be dangerous.

Among other health issues, sleeping in contacts can cause corneal neovascularization, when new blood vessels form in the cornea. If you leave lenses in overnight even just once per week, it also raises the chances of a corneal infection. These infections can cause corneal ulcers, open sores that, if left untreated, may lead to vision loss, or even blindness.

If the infection is bacterial, using antibiotic eye drops for one or two weeks should clear it up, says Katy Johnson, OD, an optometrist in Dublin, Georgia. But it’s likely you’ll need to miss work due to eye pain. “A fungal or parasitic infection can take up to 12 weeks to heal, and the pain can be excruciating,” Dr. Johnson adds. If symptoms such as pain and blurry vision continue after treatment with medication, surgery may be needed to retain your vision.

If you experience a feeling that something is in your eye, tearing, discharge, light sensitivity, itching, burning, redness, blurred vision, swelling, or pain, remove your contacts as soon as possible and see your healthcare provider (HCP). Bring your lenses with you because they can help determine the problem.

How to prevent contact lens problems

Keeping your eyes healthy requires regular, proper contact lens maintenance. Here are some ways to protect your eyes.

Get regular eye exams

“If a doctor is not regularly evaluating your eyes, you may have early signs of contact lens irritation and dryness without knowing it,” says Johnson. She says that proper fittings, accurate prescriptions, and regular check-ups will keep your eyes in optimal shape. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends annual eye exams for contact lens wearers.

Clean your lenses correctly

The first rule to cleaning your lenses is to wash your hands prior to handling them. After that, your lens solution plays an important role in keeping your contacts clean. Discard used cleanser and use fresh lens solution each time you clean your contacts. Avoid rinsing contacts in any type of water (tap, distilled, bottled) or homemade saline solution, since those liquids can contain microorganisms that lead to eye infections. Remember that different lens solutions have different use recommendations, so read your bottle’s instructions carefully.

Replace your lenses and lens case regularly

Whether it’s one week, one month, or a different length of time, always follow recommendations for contact lens disposal. This can lower the risk of eye infection or other complications.

Changing your lens case often will prevent bacteria from growing inside the case, transferring to your lenses, and then transferring to your eyes. Using the same case longer than three months can lead to bacterial contamination and eye infections. Contact lens cases are inexpensive, and many companies include one with your purchase of solution. They can also be purchased at drug stores and online.

What if you forget once?

Don’t stress if you wake up in the middle of the night and realize your contacts are still in. Do not remove them immediately, as they may be dry and sticky. Massage your eyes to stimulate moisture movement and use wetting drops or HCP-recommended preservative-free lubricating drops in your eyes if necessary to lubricate the lens and coax it out gently. Wear your glasses the next day to give your eyes a rest. If you notice any infection symptoms, like redness, watering, or discharge, contact your HCP.