Can I Sleep in My Contact Lenses? | FAQs

1. Can I sleep in my contact lenses? 

Sleeping in contact lenses is generally not recommended unless they are specifically designed for overnight use. Even extended-wear lenses increase your risk of eye infections, dryness and reduced oxygen supply to the cornea. If you find yourself regularly forgetting to remove your lenses before bed, you may want to consider laser eye surgery for long-term vision correction without daily hassle. 

2. What happens if I accidentally sleep in my contact lenses? 

Accidentally sleeping in your contact lenses can cause eye irritation, redness and a higher risk of developing infections like keratitis. If this occurs, remove the lenses as soon as you wake up and monitor your symptoms. If discomfort continues, seek advice from your optometrist or contact a specialist eye clinic like OCL Vision. 

3. Why is it bad to sleep in contact lenses? 

When you sleep in contact lenses, oxygen flow to your eyes is significantly reduced. This creates a warm, moist environment where bacteria can thrive, increasing the risk of corneal ulcers, inflammation and serious infection. Over time, repeated overnight wear can damage your eye health. Laser eye surgery offers a safer and more permanent solution to visual correction. 

4. Are there contact lenses safe for sleeping? 

Yes, some extended-wear contact lenses are approved for overnight use. However, even these carry a greater risk of infection than daily wear lenses. Proper hygiene, regular check-ups and adherence to wear schedules are essential. If you’re looking for a lower-maintenance alternative, laser eye surgery may be a more convenient option. 

5. How do I know if my eyes are affected by sleeping in contact lenses? 

Common signs include red eyes, blurry vision, sensitivity to light and a gritty or painful sensation. If you experience any of these symptoms, remove your lenses and consult an eye specialist immediately. OCL Vision offers comprehensive eye health assessments to evaluate contact lens-related issues and discuss longer-term options like refractive surgery. 

6. Can sleeping in contact lenses cause permanent damage? 

Yes, prolonged overnight wear of contact lenses — especially without medical approval — can lead to serious complications, including corneal ulcers and scarring, which may permanently affect your vision. If you're concerned about the long-term impact of lens use, ask about alternatives like LASIK or LASEK laser eye surgery during your next eye exam. 

7. What should I do if I’ve been sleeping in my contact lenses regularly? 

Stop sleeping in your lenses immediately and book an appointment with your optometrist or a specialist like OCL Vision. Your eyes may need rest and treatment for potential irritation or infection. You might also want to explore more permanent options for vision correction that eliminate the need for lenses altogether. 

8. How can I reduce the risks if I must sleep in contact lenses? 

If advised by an eye care professional to use extended-wear lenses, follow hygiene instructions closely: 

9. Is laser eye surgery safer than long-term contact lens use? 

In many cases, yes. While contact lenses are generally safe when used correctly, long-term use can still lead to dryness, allergies or infections. Laser eye surgery, performed by experienced surgeons at OCL Vision, offers a one-time, lasting solution with low risk and high success rates — and it means no more worrying about lens wear schedules. 

10. When should I consider switching from contact lenses to laser eye surgery? 

If you experience discomfort, dry eyes, frequent infections or simply want freedom from daily maintenance, now is the time to consider laser eye surgery. At OCL Vision, we offer personalised consultations to assess your suitability and guide you through the safest and most effective vision correction options.