Most people know they are not supposed to sleep while wearing their contact lenses, but when your contacts are properly fitted, it’s easy to forget you’re wearing them, and you may fall asleep or nap with your contacts. Sleeping with your average contact lenses can have side effects, although there are lenses eye doctors can prescribe for overnight wear.
Daily-Wear Contact Lenses
This type of contact lens is meant for single-day use and is not reusable. Your eye health and corneal sensitivity will determine how many hours you can wear the lenses, although generally speaking, daily disposable lenses can be worn for 8-16 hours daily.
Daily wear contact lenses should never be worn overnight as this can lead to an infection. The same is true for disposable lenses, which should never be reused or worn overnight or even during a nap. Cleaning solutions should not be used because daily wear lenses are very thin, and this material can break down or become damaged.
Extended-Wear Contact Lenses
This type of contact lens is meant to be worn repeatedly and can be worn overnight. In many cases, patients can wear extended-wear contact lenses for up to 7 days without removal, although you should discuss this timeline with your eye doctor in Orangeville to confirm its accuracy and whether or not it applies to your situation. An optometrist can determine whether or not you are a suitable candidate for extended-wear lenses during your contact lens exam and fitting.
Many eye doctors will recommend daily disposable contact lenses because sleeping in your contacts is not a good idea, as this can make you 6-8 times more likely to develop an eye infection. Even when you apply the appropriate contact lens care, protein and lipid buildup on the lens can cause inflammation and discomfort. Your eyes need a contact lens break, and even though it is more convenient to keep your lenses in for days or weeks, your eyes need rest, and over-wearing them can lead to contact lens intolerance.
What to do if you accidentally Fall Asleep?
If you accidentally fall asleep without removing your lenses, take your lenses out as soon as you wake up. Do this regardless of the type of contact lens you have. If your lenses feel stuck, do not pull and try adding lubrication. Blinking repeatedly can stimulate tear production, and you can try this as well. Once the contact lenses are removed, give your eyes a break and don’t wear contact lenses for at least one day.
If you notice blurry vision, dry eye, eye discharge, eye discomfort, redness or swelling or light sensitivity, contact your eye doctor right away.
Understanding the type of contact lens you have and following your optometrist’s recommendations will help prevent eye infections.
Conclusion
Do you need more information about contact lens wear time? Orangeville Optometric Centre can discuss more details to decrease the risk of eye problems. Our eye doctors here in Orangeville will help you determine whether or not extended wear is appropriate and will tell you how to care for your lenses to increase your comfort.
Contact us today to schedule your appointment!Most people know they are not supposed to sleep while wearing their contact lenses, but when your contacts are properly fitted, it’s easy to forget you’re wearing them, and you may fall asleep or nap with your contacts. Sleeping with your average contact lenses can have side effects, although there are lenses eye doctors can prescribe for overnight wear.
Daily-Wear Contact Lenses
This type of contact lens is meant for single-day use and is not reusable. Your eye health and corneal sensitivity will determine how many hours you can wear the lenses, although generally speaking, daily disposable lenses can be worn for 8-16 hours daily.
Daily wear contact lenses should never be worn overnight as this can lead to an infection. The same is true for disposable lenses, which should never be reused or worn overnight or even during a nap. Cleaning solutions should not be used because daily wear lenses are very thin, and this material can break down or become damaged.
Extended-Wear Contact Lenses
This type of contact lens is meant to be worn repeatedly and can be worn overnight. In many cases, patients can wear extended-wear contact lenses for up to 7 days without removal, although you should discuss this timeline with your eye doctor in Orangeville to confirm its accuracy and whether or not it applies to your situation. An optometrist can determine whether or not you are a suitable candidate for extended-wear lenses during your contact lens exam and fitting.
Many eye doctors will recommend daily disposable contact lenses because sleeping in your contacts is not a good idea, as this can make you 6-8 times more likely to develop an eye infection. Even when you apply the appropriate contact lens care, protein and lipid buildup on the lens can cause inflammation and discomfort. Your eyes need a contact lens break, and even though it is more convenient to keep your lenses in for days or weeks, your eyes need rest, and over-wearing them can lead to contact lens intolerance.
What to do if you accidentally Fall Asleep?
If you accidentally fall asleep without removing your lenses, take your lenses out as soon as you wake up. Do this regardless of the type of contact lens you have. If your lenses feel stuck, do not pull and try adding lubrication. Blinking repeatedly can stimulate tear production, and you can try this as well. Once the contact lenses are removed, give your eyes a break and don’t wear contact lenses for at least one day.
If you notice blurry vision, dry eye, eye discharge, eye discomfort, redness or swelling or light sensitivity, contact your eye doctor right away.
Understanding the type of contact lens you have and following your optometrist’s recommendations will help prevent eye infections.
Conclusion
Do you need more information about contact lens wear time? Orangeville Optometric Centre can discuss more details to decrease the risk of eye problems. Our eye doctors here in Orangeville will help you determine whether or not extended wear is appropriate and will tell you how to care for your lenses to increase your comfort.
