Wearing contact lenses is a convenient alternative to glasses, but improper use—especially sleeping in contacts—can put your eye health at serious risk. If you’ve ever fallen asleep with your lenses in, you might have woken up with dry, irritated eyes. However, the dangers go beyond discomfort. Sleeping in contacts increases the likelihood of corneal abrasions and serious infections that can threaten your vision.

What Happens When You Sleep in Contacts?

Your cornea—the clear, protective layer at the front of your eye—needs oxygen to stay healthy. Contact lenses act as a barrier, reducing oxygen flow. When you sleep in your lenses, your eyes don’t get enough oxygen, making them more vulnerable to corneal abrasions, bacterial infections, and inflammation.

How Corneal Abrasions Happen

When you sleep in contacts, your lenses can dry out and stick to your cornea. Removing them in the morning can cause microscopic tears, known as corneal abrasions. These scratches make it easier for bacteria to enter the eye, increasing the risk of infections like corneal ulcers—which can be vision-threatening.

If you’ve recently slept in your contacts and experience any of the following symptoms, you might have a corneal abrasion:

• Eye pain or discomfort
• Redness and irritation
• Blurry vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Feeling like something is stuck in your eye

The Risk of Serious Infections

Sleeping in contacts also increases the chance of bacterial infections, including:

• Microbial Keratitis – A painful, potentially blinding infection caused by bacteria, fungi, or parasites.
• Pseudomonas Infections – A fast-spreading bacterial infection that can cause severe corneal damage.
• Acanthamoeba Keratitis – A rare but serious infection often linked to improper contact lens hygiene.

What to Do If You Slept in Your Contacts

If you accidentally fall asleep with your contacts in, follow these steps:

• Remove them immediately (if they feel stuck, use artificial tears to rehydrate them first)
• Give your eyes a break – Wear glasses for the rest of the day
• Use lubricating eye drops to rehydrate your cornea
• Watch for symptoms like pain, redness, or blurry vision.
• See an eye doctor if discomfort persists or worsens

How Kopolow & Girisgen, Doctors of Optometry Can Help

Sleeping in contact lenses may seem harmless, but the risks—including corneal abrasions and serious infections—are too great to ignore. Prioritizing good contact lens hygiene and following your eye doctor’s recommendations can help protect your vision and keep your eyes healthy.

If you’re experiencing discomfort after sleeping in contacts or want expert advice on the best lenses for your lifestyle, schedule an appointment with Kopolow & Girisgen, Doctors of Optometry today by texting GLASSES to 21000, giving us a call at (702) 452-2020, or schedule an appointment online.