How to Sleep With Contact Lens

In years past, sleeping in contact lenses was prohibited by optometrists. This was because older contact lenses didn't allow sufficient amounts of oxygen through to the eyes. In 1981, the FDA approved certain types of contact lenses for overnight wear. These contact lenses are referred to as "extended-wear" contact lenses. Some optometrists still recommend that you remove your contact lenses before sleeping, regardless of the type you use. If you wish to sleep in contact lenses, there are some steps you can follow to keep your eyes as healthy as possible.

Instructions

• 1

  Make sure your contact lenses are appropriate to sleep in. If you have standard daily-wear contact lenses, you should not sleep in them. If you have extended-wear contacts, you can sleep in them. Extended-wear contacts are usually made from silicone hydrogel, which allows more oxygen to pass through to your eyes. You can also sleep in continuous-wear contact lenses, which allow specific gases to permeate the lenses.

• 2

  Talk to your optometrist about your plan to sleep in your contact lenses. There are various types of contact lenses on today's market. Your optometrist may prescribe a disposable brand that is more conducive to overnight wear. Generally, you can wear these contact lenses for one to two weeks before throwing them away.

• 3

  Clean your contact lenses after sleeping in them. If you sleep in your contact lenses, you may be more susceptible to eye infections. Regular cleaning will keep infections at bay. This is even more important if you do not have disposable lenses. Use an appropriate contact lens cleaning solution.

• 4

  Use over-the-counter re-wetting drops to restore moisture to your eyes in the morning. Sleeping in your lenses can dry them out, leaving your eyes feeling itchy and irritated.

• 5

  Follow your optometrist's instructions regarding wear. If you have disposable contact lenses and sleep in them, you must replace them precisely accordingly to your doctor's instructions. Don't try to extend their life by wearing them longer than you should. You are already putting additional stress on them by sleeping in them.