Generally speaking, you should never sleep in your lenses. Only extended wear contact lenses can be worn safely and comfortably while sleeping.
Can I sleep in my contact lenses?
Normally, when you’re awake, the cornea of your eye relies on a constant supply of oxygen to stay healthy. This flow of oxygen gets cut off when you wear regular contact lenses and close your eyes to sleep, essentially depriving the cornea of the nourishment it needs. As a result, sleeping in contact lenses could potentially lead to serious eye problems like keratitis (inflammation), microcysts and corneal ulcers.
Using extended wear lenses
Extended wear contact lenses are an excellent option if you find it difficult to follow a nightly cleaning and storage routine. These lenses allow more oxygen to reach the cornea while your eyes are closed, making them safe to wear for longer hours than regular lenses. With extended wear contact lenses, you can finally wake up to clear and crisp vision first thing in the morning.
Depending on the brand, the maximum duration it may be safe to wear extended wear lenses can range from 6 to 30 days and nights. They are also available as torics for astigmatism and multifocals for age-related presbyopia.
As with other types of contact lenses, extended wear lenses require that you follow a proper hygiene routine to keep your eyes fresh and healthy. This simply means not wearing them beyond their validity date and that you still clean and rinse them as needed. It is also advised that you avoid wearing them while swimming or bathing.
We recommend that you consult your optician or eye doctor to discuss the options most suitable for you.