Is it safe to wear contact lenses while asleep?

[DMH2007]

I wear Focus daily disposibles contact lense most of the day and not have any problems. Would I do any damage to my eye by wearing them whilst asleep at night? What are the dangers. Would love to hear from any one about this? Thank you in advance for your replies.

[tickledtrout]

I wear lenses, though monthly not daily but have always been advised by opticians to take them out at night so oxygen can reach the eye. Never really saw the point of wearing them while sleeping but can undersand if eyesight is bad

[joannie10]

my friend when on holiday will regularly late on the next day after a drunken night say 'i better get these contacts out' . She too is advised not to do it but certainly on occasions (most weekends) falls asleep with them in - eyes can become a bit stingy but so far no known damage.

[tickledtrout]

Have fell asleep with them in and it feels like somebody is sticking needles in your eyes,not nice

[Matheous]

I'm afraid I do this once or twice a week.....with no apparent effects. They are Gas Permeable though- don't know if that makes any difference.....

[chazza]

My optician told me never to sleep in them as they can stick to your eye during the night due to drying out and in some cases a trip to casualty is needed to get them out.

I did once sleep in them though and was able to get them out fine in the morning, however I do think it is very bad for your eyes as they block the air getting through to them

[wendyl]

I have used monthly replacement lenses for several years. A year or two ago I read about and enquired of lenses which can be worn at night. The optician didn't recommend them but said they were considerably more expensive than my current ones so that put me off. I do occasionally fall asleep during the evening with them in with no real problems. I can't really get on with glasses and only use them for reading in bed

[debbieanne]

I used to fall asleep with my lens in all the time when I was younger and damaged my eyes that I was unable to wear lens for 6 years. My eyes were deprived of oxygen and the blood vessels hardened. The optician told me if I continued wearing them I could go blind. DON'T DO IT.

[scoobysoo]

I get lenses called Day and Night, which you wear continuously for 30 days, and they are cheaper than dailies. Only �15 a month from Specsavers, and are brilliant