Many contact lens wearers have accidentally fallen asleep with the lenses in place, resulting in sticky, sore and dry eyes in the morning. Extended wear contact lenses are now available, which eliminate the risks for many who want to sleep in their lenses. These contacts, made of silicon hydrogel, allow for the passage of oxygen into the cornea. This allows wearers to keep lenses in for as long as week to a month without removal.
How to Sleep With Contact Lens
Step 1
Visit your optometrist. An eye care specialist will be able to provide a complete eye health examination and prescribe the proper contact lenses for your eyes.
Step 2
Follow your optometrist's instructions for lens care. Some extended wear lenses need to be removed weekly for cleansing. Eye care experts Nancy Del Pizzo and Liz Segre at AllAboutVision.com report that weekly cleansing removes protein and lipid buildup on contact lenses.
Step 3
Dispose of extended wear lenses regularly. AllAboutVison.com states that lenses that are removed and cleaned weekly may be safely worn for months, while lenses approved for 30-day continual use are disposed of monthly. Contact lens wearers should follow optometrist's recommendations for cleansing, removal and disposal of lenses.
Step 4
Replace discarded lenses with fresh lenses on schedule. Do not try to cheat by using lenses for longer periods of time. Protein and lipid buildup on the lenses can lead to eye injury by not allowing oxygen into the cornea. Dirty lenses also provide an environment for infection-causing bacteria to grow.
Tips and Warnings
- Many optometrists provide patients with a free trial pair of extended wear lenses. This allows patients a month to decide if extended wear lenses are right for them. Reputable optometrists will provide free follow up visits after any contact lens fitting. Morning eye drops help lubricate dry lenses. Ask your optometrist which drops are compatible with your lenses.
- Only sleep in lenses specifically manufactured for extended wear. Report any eye discomfort or redness to your optometrist.
Things You'll Need
- Extended wear lenses
- Lens cleaning solution
- Lubricating eye drops (as directed)
