Is It Really That Bad to Sleep or Shower In Contact Lenses?

The short answer is yes. Sleeping and showering in contact lenses are two of the most common habits that put contact lens wearers at risk for eye infections and other complications. If you wear contacts, understanding why these habits are harmful and how to protect your eyes can help you avoid preventable problems.

Why Is Sleeping in Contact Lenses Risky?

Your corneas depend on a steady supply of oxygen and moisture to stay healthy. When you blink, your tears deliver oxygen and nutrients to the corneal surface. During sleep, your eyelids are closed and oxygen supply is already reduced. Adding a contact lens on top of that further restricts the amount of oxygen reaching the cornea.

This oxygen deprivation makes the cornea more vulnerable to infection and more susceptible to tiny scratches called corneal abrasions. Bacteria that would normally be flushed away by blinking and tear production can accumulate under the lens overnight, increasing the chance of a bacterial infection.

Unless your eye doctor has specifically prescribed extended-wear or overnight lenses and confirmed that your eyes are healthy enough to wear them while sleeping, you should always remove your contacts before bed.

What Are the Dangers of Showering or Swimming in Contacts?

Water from showers, pools, lakes, and even the tap is not sterile. It can harbor bacteria, fungi, and microorganisms such as acanthamoeba, which can cause a serious corneal infection called acanthamoeba keratitis. When contact lenses come into contact with water, microorganisms can become trapped between the lens and the cornea, creating an environment where infections can develop.

Additionally, water exposure can cause contact lenses to tighten against the eye, potentially leading to corneal abrasions. These small scratches give microorganisms an entry point into the cornea, further increasing infection risk.

Keratitis, an inflammation of the cornea, is one of the most common complications associated with water exposure while wearing contacts. Left untreated, keratitis can lead to scarring and permanent vision loss.

What Symptoms Should You Watch For?

If you accidentally sleep in your contacts or expose them to water, watch for the following symptoms in the hours and days that follow:

Redness that does not resolve after removing the lens
Eye pain or a gritty, burning sensation
Blurry or hazy vision
Unusual discharge or excessive tearing
Sensitivity to light

If you experience any of these symptoms, remove your lenses immediately and contact your eye doctor. Eye pain, vision changes, or discharge that worsens should be evaluated the same day, as these can indicate an infection that needs prompt treatment to prevent complications.

What Should You Do If You Accidentally Fall Asleep in Your Contacts?

If you wake up with contacts still in your eyes, do not try to remove them immediately if they feel stuck to the surface of your eye. Instead, blink several times and apply preservative-free rewetting drops or artificial tears to rehydrate the lens. Once the lens moves freely on your eye, gently remove it. Give your eyes a rest from contacts for the remainder of the day, and wear your backup glasses instead.

If your eyes remain red, painful, or blurry after removing the lenses, schedule an appointment with your eye doctor as soon as possible.

Daily Habits That Protect Your Eyes

Following these straightforward practices can significantly reduce your risk of contact lens complications:

Remove your contacts before showering, bathing, or swimming
Never sleep in your contacts unless specifically directed by your eye doctor
Wash and thoroughly dry your hands before handling your lenses
Use only fresh contact lens solution to clean and store your lenses, and never top off old solution
Replace your contact lens case every two to three months
Follow the recommended wearing schedule for your specific lens type
Keep a backup pair of glasses available for days when you need to give your eyes a break

Schedule a Contact Lens Exam in Paradise

Good contact lens habits start with a proper fitting and personalized guidance from your eye doctor. If you have questions about safe contact lens wear, or if you are experiencing any discomfort or symptoms, our team at Insight Vision Optometry, Las Vegas is here to help Paradise area patients and contact lens wearers throughout the valley. Call 702-747-4070 or visit www.insightvisionlv.com to schedule your appointment.