No one likes to get out of bed once they\u2019ve settled in for the night. Approximately one-third of contact lens wearers<\/a> say they\u2019ve slept in their contacts before. So, you\u2019d be forgiven for asking, \u201cIs it bad to sleep with contacts in?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n But study after study has confirmed that sleeping with contacts in can put your eye health at risk. Just remember that contact lenses are medical devices and should only be used according to your eye doctor\u2019s directions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Read on to learn why it\u2019s always best to take your contacts out<\/a> before bed and what can happen if you don\u2019t. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Sleeping with contacts in your eyes substantially raises the risk of eye infection<\/a>, in particular microbial keratitis<\/a>. Microbial keratitis is inflammation and infection of the cornea (the protective dome on the surface of your eye, exactly where your contact lens sits). <\/p>\n\n\n\n This condition is commonly caused by bacteria, but it can also be viral, fungal, or parasitic. Left untreated, it can have very serious complications, even resulting in vision loss and permanent scarring of the eye which can cause blindness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One study<\/a> showed that wearing contacts overnight increased the relative risk of microbial keratitis by more than five times\u2014regardless of the type of contact lens<\/a> used. Additionally, the CDC reports<\/a> that sleeping in contacts can up your risk of acquiring an infection by six to eight times. We really don\u2019t like those odds! <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re experiencing any of the above symptoms after snoozing with your lenses in, you may have gotten an eye infection from sleeping in contacts<\/a>. But the only way to be sure is to see an optometrist\u2014book an eye exam<\/a> ASAP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When you sleep with your contacts in, microbial keratitis isn\u2019t the only eye condition<\/a> you have to worry about. You\u2019re also at risk for conjunctivitis<\/a> (commonly known as pink eye), corneal ulcers, and corneal hypoxia (a condition that occurs when the cornea doesn\u2019t get enough oxygen). <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you manage to avoid any of the above, you still might wake up with general inflammation and irritation<\/a>. Dry, sore, or red eyes are common consequences of sleeping in your contact lenses. Plus, if there\u2019s any debris trapped under them, you\u2019ll be exposing your eyes to it all night, potentially causing more damage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Several news<\/a> reports<\/a> have documented the distressing results of sleeping with contact lenses in, and the CDC also presented six case studies<\/a> in 2018 that illustrate the importance of taking your contacts out before bed. A content warning: These links may contain graphic images. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In severe cases, an infection caused by sleeping with contacts in can result in vision loss. And, yes, if you don\u2019t seek treatment, you can go blind in the affected eye. You might also require surgery or never fully regain your original visual acuity<\/a>. Also, sleeping in contacts may cause changes to your eyes that may not allow you to continue to wear contacts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Sleeping with contacts in makes it easier for germs to gain a foothold on the surface of your eye. Scientists are still researching why exactly this might be the case. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For a while, it was thought that wearing contacts while sleeping might lead to infection because the lenses limited the cornea\u2019s exposure to oxygen. However, as lens designs have improved and allowed more and more oxygen through to the eye, the risk of infection has not declined as expected<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This finding doesn\u2019t mean that lack of oxygen (hypoxia) isn\u2019t<\/em> contributing to infections\u2014using the most breathable contact lenses does seem to reduce the severity of the infection you get<\/a>\u2014but it does mean it\u2019s not the whole story. <\/p>\n\n\n\n One hypothesis is that sleeping in contact lenses causes stagnation of the tear film<\/a>. When you\u2019re not wearing contacts, the tear film that covers the surface of your eye protects it from bacteria and debris. When you blink, you\u2019re sort of \u201crefreshing\u201d the tear film: Adding new fluid and clearing out some of the old. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Because contact lenses sit over the tear film, they can inhibit this tear exchange. And when your eyes are closed as you sleep\u2014i.e., not blinking at all\u2014your tear film really can\u2019t perform its protective function to the fullest. Germs don\u2019t get washed away and instead have time to spread. The longer you sleep in your contacts, the more opportunity you\u2019re giving them to cause infection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another factor could be that prolonged contact lens wear affects the physical structure of your eye\u2019s surface. Studies show<\/a> that the ocular surface environment is extraordinarily sensitive and can even change shape if subjected to the pressure of your contact lenses for too long. Researchers are investigating how these surface interactions can hasten infection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally, your lenses might rub uncomfortably against the cornea as you sleep, upping the chance of scratches and irritation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your contact lenses can transfer germs<\/a> to your eyes from other sources, including your hands or your lens case. Sleeping in your contact lenses gives these germs an environment where it\u2019s easier to thrive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n That\u2019s why it\u2019s so important to wash your hands, let your contact case air dry during the day, regularly clean your contact case<\/a>, always use fresh contact solution<\/a> for storage, and clean your contact lenses<\/a> thoroughly with each use. If your contact lens hygiene isn\u2019t up to snuff, sleeping in your lenses will only compound the consequences! <\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat Happens if You Sleep With Contacts In?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Symptoms of Keratitis <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Other Dangers of Sleeping With Contacts In<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Can You Go Blind From Sleeping With Contacts In? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Why Does Sleeping With Contacts Cause Problems?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Lack of Oxygen to the Cornea<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Stagnation of the Tear Film<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Interaction With the Surface of the Eye<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Exposure to Microbes via Contamination <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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