For many Australians, contact lenses offer the convenience of clear vision without the frames. But what happens when you fall asleep with them in — either accidentally after a long day or intentionally because “you’ve done it before”? It’s more common than you think. According to optometry sources, nearly 1 in 4 contact lens wearers admit to sleeping in their lenses at least once a week — often without realising the risks.
While contact lenses are safe when used correctly, they’re not designed to stay on your eyes while you sleep — unless specifically prescribed. If you’ve ever been tempted to keep them in overnight, it’s important to understand what’s really happening to your eyes during that time. In this post, we’ll bust common myths, outline the real dangers, and help you adopt safer vision habits. And if you’re considering a more tailored approach, you can learn more about options available through a proper contact lens fitting with an optometrist.
What Happens When You Sleep with Contact Lenses In?
Oxygen Deprivation and Corneal Hypoxia
Your corneas don’t have their own blood supply. Instead, they rely on oxygen from the air. During the day, this works well — but when you shut your eyes to sleep, oxygen naturally drops. Add a contact lens into the mix, and airflow is reduced even more.
When lenses stay on overnight, oxygen deprivation can lead to corneal hypoxia. This is a condition where the corneal tissue becomes starved of oxygen, increasing your risk of inflammation, swelling, and bacterial infection. It also weakens your eye’s natural defences, making it easier for harmful microbes to slip in.
Early Warning Signs of Trouble
Even if it was just a short nap or one late night, the signs that something’s wrong can show up quickly:
- Redness or bloodshot eyes
- Unusual dryness or gritty sensation
- Light sensitivity
- Blurry vision
- Watery discharge or pain when blinking
These symptoms may indicate the beginning of an eye infection or inflammation. If they occur after sleeping in lenses, remove them immediately and avoid putting them back in. It’s best to have your eyes checked by an optometrist if symptoms don’t improve within a few hours.
The Real Risks of Sleeping in Contact Lenses
Corneal Infections and Ulcers
One of the most serious dangers of sleeping in contact lenses is microbial keratitis — a fast-developing infection of the cornea that can lead to permanent vision damage. Studies have shown that the risk of infection increases by 8 to 10 times when lenses are worn during sleep.
This isn’t just a temporary irritation. Microbial keratitis can cause:
- Severe pain
- Eye ulcers
- Corneal scarring
- Vision loss, in some cases irreversible
For more information, we’ve detailed this condition in our guide: What Is Microbial Keratitis?
Long-Term Damage from Occasional Oversight
There’s a myth that one or two nights won’t hurt. Unfortunately, that’s not true. Even occasional overnight wear can cause microscopic damage to the eye’s surface over time, increasing the risk of inflammation or infection later on.
If your eye health is important to you, even these small risks are worth avoiding. Long-term habits start with one decision — and in this case, choosing to take out your lenses before bed is one of the simplest ways to protect your vision.
Extended-Wear Lenses – Are They Really Safe?
What Extended-Wear Means
Some contact lenses are marketed as safe for overnight use. These extended-wear lenses, often made from silicone hydrogel, allow more oxygen through to the cornea. They’re designed for use over multiple days and nights — sometimes up to 30 days straight — but that doesn’t mean they’re without risk.
Extended-wear contacts should only be used under the supervision of an optometrist. They require regular check-ups and monitoring to ensure your eyes remain healthy while using them.
The Ongoing Risks Even with ‘Safe’ Lenses
Even with high-tech materials, extended-wear lenses still reduce oxygen flow to the eyes. The risk of infection, while slightly lower than with regular lenses worn overnight, is still significantly higher compared to taking them out before bed. Daily disposables remain the safest option in terms of hygiene and eye health.
If you’re comparing different types of lenses, we recommend reading our full guide on Contact Lens Types Compared: Daily vs Monthly vs Extended-Wear.
Common Myths About Sleeping in Contacts
Even though the risks are well-documented, many people still believe it’s harmless to sleep in contact lenses. Let’s debunk a few of the most common myths.
“I’ve done it for years without issues.”
This is a dangerous assumption. Just because nothing has gone wrong yet doesn’t mean it won’t. Eye infections can develop rapidly and unexpectedly — especially after your eye’s surface has been weakened by prolonged oxygen deprivation.
“They’re marketed as overnight-safe, so it’s fine.”
As discussed earlier, extended-wear lenses are not risk-free. They simply reduce the risk compared to regular lenses — but infections, dryness, and inflammation can still occur. Medical supervision is always advised.
“It’s just a quick nap.”
Even short naps can cause problems, particularly if your eyes are already tired or dry. Oxygen levels drop the moment you close your eyes, and even a 20-minute snooze could lead to discomfort or redness upon waking.
Safer Alternatives and Best Practices
If you’re someone who’s fallen asleep in lenses before — or are worried you might again — there are several simple ways to prevent harm.
Switch to Glasses at Night
Keep a pair of glasses by your bedside. It’s one of the easiest ways to avoid falling asleep in your lenses. When you’re lounging around in the evening or planning to watch TV in bed, make it a habit to swap them out early.
Consider Ortho-K Lenses
Orthokeratology lenses (or Ortho-K) are a clever solution for those who need vision correction without wearing lenses during the day. These custom-fitted lenses are worn at night and removed in the morning — gently reshaping the cornea while you sleep. They’re particularly suitable for people with myopia and are also being used as part of myopia control strategies in children and young adults.
To better understand if they’re right for you, we recommend reading our article on Ortho-K Lenses: Pros and Cons.
Stick to Daily Lens Hygiene Rules
- Remove contact lenses before sleep, no matter how tired you are.
- Never exceed the recommended wear time printed on the box.
- Wash and dry your hands before handling lenses.
- Clean and store lenses properly if not using daily disposables.
- Attend regular eye check-ups to ensure your eyes remain healthy.
For more practical tips, our Daily Contact Lens Care Guide can help improve your routine and reduce the risk of complications.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can one night of sleeping in contacts cause damage?
Yes. Even a single night can dramatically increase your risk of infection and corneal hypoxia, particularly if you wear standard (non-extended wear) lenses.
Are extended-wear lenses safer than daily lenses for sleep?
They’re slightly safer but still carry risks. Always consult with an optometrist before using them regularly.
What should I do if I accidentally slept in my contacts?
Remove them as soon as you wake up. Give your eyes a break — avoid wearing lenses for the rest of the day. If you notice redness, discomfort, or sensitivity to light, book an eye exam straight away.
Is it okay to nap in contacts for 30 minutes?
While it may seem harmless, even short naps can deprive your corneas of oxygen. Some people may experience discomfort or develop symptoms after doing this repeatedly.
Conclusion
Sleeping in contact lenses — even for a short nap — isn’t worth the risk. From oxygen loss and corneal inflammation to serious infections like microbial keratitis, the consequences can be painful, expensive, and potentially permanent.
No matter how advanced your lenses are, they’re not a substitute for safe habits and professional guidance. The good news? You can avoid most issues by removing your lenses before sleep, maintaining good hygiene, and getting regular eye check-ups.
Ready to make safer choices?
Switch to safer habits or book a contact lens consultation with Eye Concepts to find a lens routine that fits your lifestyle.
