Even a quick nap can put your eyes at greater risk than you may realise.

Have You Ever Fallen Asleep with Your Contact Lenses In?

Contact lenses can make daily life feel practical and comfortable. They provide clear vision without the need for glasses and may feel so natural that you sometimes forget that you’re wearing them. [1]

Then comes a familiar situation. You lie down for a quick break, close your eyes for a few minutes, and wake up with your contact lenses still in. It may not feel like a big deal, especially when your eyes seem fine afterward. However, even a short nap while wearing contact lenses may increase the risk of eye irritation and infection. [2]

Sleeping in contact lenses is one of the riskiest habits associated with contact lens-related eye infections. According to the CDC, sleeping or napping while wearing contact lenses can increase the risk of infection by six to eight times. Even occasional or unplanned naps may increase the likelihood of irritation and infection. [2]

Why Do Your Eyes Need a Lens Break?

The cornea is the clear front surface of the eye where a contact lens rests. While contact lenses provide vision benefits, wearing them during sleep may create conditions that make irritation or infection more likely. [2][3]

Even contact lenses approved for extended wear are not completely risk-free. They should only be worn according to their instructions and under the guidance of an eye care professional. Daily-wear lenses should always be removed before sleeping. [2][4]

The safest habit is simple: remove your lenses before lying down, even when you only plan to rest briefly. Keeping your glasses, clean lens case, and fresh contact lens solution nearby can make this routine easier when you feel tired. [3][4]

Accidentally Fell Asleep in Your Contacts?

If your lenses feel dry or stuck after waking up, avoid removing them forcefully. Blink several times and use contact lens-compatible lubricating drops if available. Wait until the lenses can move comfortably before removing them gently. [5]

Give your eyes time to rest and wear glasses instead of immediately putting in another pair. If you notice ongoing redness, pain, blurred vision, discharge, unusual sensitivity to light, or discomfort that does not improve, stop wearing your lenses and seek advice from an eye care professional promptly. [1][3]

Removing your contact lenses before every nap is a small step that can support safer and more comfortable lens wear. Not sure what your recent eye discomfort may be telling you? Try the Eye Test to better understand your symptoms and possible next steps.

REFERENCE:

U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Contact Lens Risks. Content current as of September 4, 2018. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/contact-lenses/contact-lens-risks
Cope JR, Konne NM, Jacobs DS, et al. Corneal Infections Associated with Sleeping in Contact Lenses: Six Cases, United States, 2016–2018. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. 2018;67(32):877–881. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/67/wr/mm6732a2.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Preventing Eye Infections When Wearing Contacts. Updated May 27, 2025. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/contact-lenses/prevention/index.html
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Contact Lens Care. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/consumers/womens-health-topics/contact-lens-care
American Optometric Association. Contact Lens Care. Available at: https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/vision-and-vision-correction/contact-lens-care

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