Is it dangerous to sleep with contact lenses?

Many contact lens wearers occasionally sleep with their lenses in out of convenience or forgetfulness. Despite warnings from their ophthalmologist, some even do so regularly. This post examines wearing contact lenses at night and the serious risks to your eye health.

The Risks of Sleeping in Contact Lenses

Decreased oxygenation: Sleeping with contact lenses significantly reduces the oxygen supply to your cornea. Most contact lenses cover the entire cornea and prevent oxygen from reaching it, which can lead to corneal hypoxia. Symptoms can include discomfort, swelling, and redness.

Increased risk of infection: Wearing contact lenses while sleeping also increases the risk of bacterial infections, such as microbial keratitis. This serious infection can cause painful inflammation and even more severe complications, including permanent vision loss, if not treated promptly.

Dry eyes and irritation: Sleeping while wearing contact lenses can interfere with the eyes’ natural moisture, leading to dryness and irritation. This discomfort could not only disrupt your sleep but also make it difficult to wear contact lenses during the day.

Alternatives to sleeping in contact lenses

Although some contact lenses are approved for overnight use, the risks often outweigh the benefits. It is essential to discuss your options with your ophthalmologist to ensure you use contact lenses safely and appropriately.

A permanent solution: laser eye treatment

For many people, the inconvenience and risks associated with contact lenses – especially at night – prompt consideration of laser eye treatment. Procedures such as LASIK or SMILE offer permanent correction for many common vision problems and can greatly reduce or even eliminate the need for glasses and contact lenses.

Safety and efficacy: Modern laser eye treatments are very safe and effective, with most patients achieving 20/20 vision or better. These procedures use high-precision lasers to reshape the cornea, correcting vision and offering a long-term solution that avoids the risks associated with contact lens use.

Quick recovery: Recovery from laser eye treatment is usually quick. Many patients return to their normal activities within a day or two and notice significant improvements in their vision immediately after the procedure.

Why consider laser eye surgery?

If you’re tired of the daily routine and potential risks of contact lenses, laser eye treatment can be a compelling alternative. Not only does it provide a permanent solution for refractive errors, but it also frees you from the ongoing costs and hassles of contact lens care.

Sleeping with contact lenses is risky and can cause a number of problems for your eye health. Instead of taking that risk, consider laser eye surgery as a safe, effective, and permanent solution. Why risk your eye health when a better option is available? Take the first step toward permanently clear vision today.

Take the next step

Would you like to find out whether you are eligible for laser eye treatment?

Begin with our aptitude test. You’ll receive an initial assessment of whether laser treatment is an option for you. Answer a few simple questions (about 2 minutes) about your eyesight and any corrective aids you’ve used.