If you’ve ever been tired after a long day and wondered, “is there contacts that you can sleep in,” you’re not alone. Many people wish for a lens that doesn’t need to come out at night. The short answer is yes, but with very important caveats. Not all contacts are designed for this, and sleeping in the wrong ones can seriously risk your eye health. This guide will explain the types of lenses approved for overnight wear, the risks involved, and how to do it safely if your doctor says it’s an option for you.
Is There Contacts That You Can Sleep In
Yes, specific types of contact lenses are approved by health authorities for continuous overnight wear. These are called “extended wear” contacts. They are made from special, highly oxygen-permeable materials that allow your cornea to “breathe” even while your eyelids are closed. However, just because a lens is approved for it doesn’t mean it’s automatically safe for every person. Your eye doctor must evaluate your eyes and prescribe them specifically for this use.
Extended Wear vs. Daily Wear Lenses
It’s crucial to understand the difference. Daily wear lenses are the most common type. They must be removed, cleaned, and disinfected every night. Sleeping in daily wear lenses, even for a nap, significantly increases your risk of eye infections and other problems.
Extended wear lenses are engineered differently. Their materials allow up to six times more oxygen to reach your cornea compared to older soft lens materials. This oxygen flow is essential for keeping the front surface of your eye healthy during sleep.
Types of Lenses Approved for Overnight Use
There are two main categories of contacts you might be prescribed for sleeping in:
- Soft Silicone Hydrogel Lenses: This is the most common type for extended wear. Silicone hydrogel is a advanced material that combines the comfort of a hydrogel with high oxygen transmission.
- Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses: Some RGP lenses are also approved for extended wear. They are less common for this purpose but can provide exceptionally clear vision for certain prescriptions.
Your optometrist will decide which type, brand, and wearing schedule is best for your individual eyes and vision needs.
The Significant Risks of Sleeping in Contacts
Sleeping in any contact lens not designed for it, or misusing extended wear lenses, is one of the biggest risk factors for serious eye complications. The main dangers include:
- Corneal Hypoxia: This is a lack of oxygen to the cornea. It can cause swelling, blurred vision, and make your eyes more susceptible to infection.
- Infectious Keratitis: This is a severe corneal infection, often caused by bacteria, fungi, or amoebae. Sleeping in contacts increases the risk of this by 5 to 8 times. It can lead to permanent scarring, vision loss, and even require a corneal transplant in extreme cases.
- Corneal Ulcers: These are open sores on the cornea that are painful and can scar.
- Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis (GPC): This is an inflammation under the eyelids, often triggered by protein buildup on lenses or improper wear.
Why Does Risk Increase at Night?
When your eyes are closed, the environment under your eyelid becomes warmer and less exposed to tears that help flush away debris. Contact lenses can trap microorganisms against the eye’s surface, creating a perfect breeding ground for infection. Reduced oxygen flow during sleep further weakens the cornea’s natural defenses.
How to Sleep in Contacts Safely (If Prescribed)
If your eye care professional prescribes extended wear lenses, following their instructions precisely is non-negotiable. Here is a general saftey protocol:
- Get a Proper Fitting and Prescription: Never buy “one-size-fits-all” lenses online for overnight use. A comprehensive eye exam and fitting is essential.
- Follow the Replacement Schedule: Stick strictly to the schedule—whether it’s 7 days, 30 days, or another timeframe. Do not try to stretch the life of the lenses.
- Have a Pair of Backup Glasses: Always keep an updated pair of glasses. You’ll need them if you have to take your lenses out due to irritation.
- Practice Meticulous Hygiene: Whenever you do remove them, clean and disinfect the lenses with the recommended solution. Never use water or saliva.
- Listen to Your Eyes: At the first sign of redness, pain, sensitivity to light, unusual discharge, or blurred vision, remove the lenses immediately and contact your eye doctor.
Alternatives to Overnight Contact Lenses
If the risks of extended wear concern you, there are excellent alternatives that can free you from daily lens removal.
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)
This is a non-surgical procedure using custom-designed RGP lenses that you wear only while you sleep. They gently reshape the curvature of your cornea overnight. When you remove them in the morning, you can see clearly throughout the day without any lenses or glasses. It’s popular for managing nearsightedness, especially in children.
Vision Correction Surgery
Procedures like LASIK or PRK permanently reshape the cornea using a laser. While it’s a more invasive and costly option, it offers a permanent solution to refractive errors, eliminating the need for contacts or glasses altogether.
Common Scenarios and Misconceptions
Let’s clear up some frequent questions and situations.
“Can I sleep in my dailies just this once?”
No. Even a single nap or overnight sleep in a daily disposable lens increases your risk. The lenses are not made for it, and your eyes are not prepared for it. It’s simply not worth the potential damage.
“My eyes feel fine when I wake up, so it’s okay, right?”
Not necessarily. Damage can be occurring even without immediate symptoms. An infection can start subtly and progress rapidly. Feeling fine in the morning doesn’t mean your corneas are getting enough oxygen or are free from microscopic damage.
What if I accidentally fall asleep in my contacts?
Don’t panic, but take action:
- As soon as you wake up, gently apply lubricating rewetting drops. Do not pull on a dry, stuck lens.
- Wait a few minutes for the drops to moisten the lens and your eye.
- Carefully remove the lens.
- Give your eyes a break by wearing glasses for the rest of the day.
- If you experience any discomfort, redness, or blurry vision that doesn’t clear quickly, see your eye doctor.
Essential Care Tips for All Contact Lens Wearers
Good habits protect your eyes no matter what type of lens you use.
- Wash and dry your hands thoroughly before handling lenses.
- Replace your lens case at least every three months, and let it air dry.
- Never “top off” old solution in the case; use fresh solution every time.
- Avoid showering, swimming, or using a hot tub while wearing contacts.
- Attend your annual eye exam, even if your vision seems stable.
FAQ: Contacts You Can Sleep In
Are there any contacts that are FDA approved for sleeping in?
Yes, several brands of silicone hydrogel and rigid gas permeable lenses have FDA approval for extended wear, meaning continuous wear for up to 7 or even 30 nights. Your doctor must prescribe them.
What is the longest you can safely sleep in contacts?
The maximum safe duration depends on the specific lens and your doctor’s assessment. Some are approved for 7 consecutive nights, others for 30. You should never exceed the recommended wear schedule given by your eye care professional.
Can you sleep in monthly contacts?
Only if they are specifically prescribed as “extended wear” monthly lenses. Standard monthly replacement lenses are for daily wear only and must be removed each night. Confusing these two types is a common and dangerous mistake.
Is it bad to sleep in contacts every night?
Sleeping in contacts every night, even extended wear ones, carries a higher risk than daily wear with nightly removal. While approved for it, the risk of infection is still greater than with daily wear. Many doctors recommend giving your eyes a break by removing them at least one night a week if possible.
What happens if you regularly sleep in daily contacts?
Regularly sleeping in daily wear contacts dramatically increases your likelihood of developing corneal hypoxia, ulcers, and severe, sight-threatening infections. It is one of the most risky behaviors associated with contact lens wear.
Making the Right Decision for Your Eyes
The question “is there contacts that you can sleep in” has a clear answer, but the follow-up question is more important: “Should I sleep in contacts?” That decision must be made in partnership with a qualified optometrist or ophthalmologist. They will consider your eye health, tear film quality, lifestyle, and risk tolerance.
If convenience is your main goal, discuss the alternatives like Ortho-K or daily disposable lenses (which offer the convenience of no cleaning, though still require nightly removal). Prioritizing your long-term eye health is always the best strategy. Your vision is precious, and protecting it requires making informed, careful choices about how you use contact lenses.