NewsMakers

Can you sleep with contact lenses in?

Do not wear contact lenses for at least one full day to allow your eyes to heal. Contact your eye care provider immediately if you notice any symptoms of infection or discomfort.

Published

4 years ago

July 21, 2022

ZestMag.com Staff

Photo by Andy BELLEGARDE from Unsplash.com

Contact lenses are wonderful because they provide a near-normal vision experience without corrective glasses. But they can be easily forgotten. When preparing to sleep, even for a nap, is not the time to forget about them.

To help contact lens wearers understand the implications of sleeping in their lenses, Lens.com published an informative guide.

Can you sleep in contact lenses?

Did you know that sleeping with regular contact lenses can result in severe infection and put you at risk for vision loss? Some contact lenses, like extended wear contacts, are meant to be worn overnight. However, many are not. You can only sleep in contact lenses designed for overnight wear, such as Acuvue Oasys with Hydraclear Plus, which is approved for up to six consecutive nights of wear.

Contact lenses are medical devices that require proper care and handling to avoid severe side effects. Yet, as little as two percent of contact lens wearers report following their eye care provider’s instructions.

What happens if you sleep with contacts lenses in?

It’s important to know the implications of sleeping in contact lenses not designed for extended wear or if they are left in too long.

Eye Infections. Eye infections are the most significant risk of sleeping in contact lenses not approved for extended wear. When you sleep in your contact lenses, your risk of contracting eye infections increases six to eight times. The most common infection is called conjunctivitis or pink eye. This common eye infection is mainly caused by wearing contact lenses overnight, but it can also be caused by allergies or coming into contact with someone who has it. Sleeping with your contact lenses makes you more susceptible to pink eye because your contact lenses can leave microscopic tears on your cornea, thus increasing your odds of bacteria entering and getting trapped in your eye and leading to infection.
Hypoxia. Oxygen is essential for the healthy function of your eyes. There are no blood vessels in your corneas (the clear tissue at the front and center of your eye), which means they get their oxygen directly from the air. Contact lenses reduce the amount of oxygen that reaches your cornea. Now imagine sleeping with contact lenses in your eyes. With our eyes shut and contact lenses, the amount of oxygen is greatly restricted and can lead to hypoxia of the eye. This extreme oxygen deprivation can cause warping, scarring, pain, and vision loss.
Corneal Ulcers. If your contact lenses are not taken out and cared for properly, you may cause so much irritation that you cause corneal ulcers, or open sores on the cornea, to form. These ulcers can even become so severe that they require a corneal transplant using donor tissue. Those who sleep with contact lenses not approved for extended wear are five times more likely to develop corneal infections, permanently damaging their vision.
Contact Lens-induced Acute Red Eye (CLARE). Tight Lens Syndrome or Contact Lens Overwear Syndrome is usually marked by light sensitivity, redness, tearing, and decreased vision. When a contact lens fits too tightly, it will stick to the cornea like a suction cup, and this will cause the cornea to swell. If not treated, You could be at risk for a severe infection that can cause a corneal ulcer leading to permanent scarring and vision loss. Contact lenses are like tiny sponges; they expand when they are moist and shrink when they dry out.
Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis (GPC). Wearing your contact lenses for prolonged periods or overnight can cause bumps to form underneath your eyelids called GPCs. If you wear your contacts while you sleep, you have the greatest chance of experiencing this unpleasant condition. These bumps can result in your contact lenses no longer fitting properly. If this happens, your eye care provider may ask you to stop wearing your contact lenses for a week and see if your symptoms subside.

Why does sleeping with contact lenses increase your risk of an eye infection?

After wearing your lenses all day long, napping or falling asleep means your lenses have collected pollutants, bacteria, and dirt that could increase your risk of complications. As your eye and contact lens becomes dehydrated in your sleep, the lens starts to shrink and tear at your cornea, and these microscopic tears allow an entry point for bacteria to get into your eye. Sleeping in contact lenses increases your chance of getting an eye infection six to eight times.

What to do if you accidentally sleep with contact lenses in?

Attempt to remove your contact lenses as soon as you’ve discovered that you’ve fallen asleep with them in your eyes. Make sure you follow your standard hygiene practices. If you cannot remove them easily, stop! Tugging at a dehydrated lens attached to your eye can cause tearing. Instead, place several drops of sterile contact solution on your eyes or lubricating drops. Blink several times. And try again.

After successfully removing your contact lenses, pay attention to how your eyes feel. Do not wear contact lenses for at least one full day to allow your eyes to heal. Contact your eye care provider immediately if you notice any symptoms of infection or discomfort. The signs of an eye infection are blurred vision, redness, excessive watering, and discharge from the eye. If you think you have an eye infection, your eye doctor may want to test your contact lenses, so be sure to take those with you when you visit.

Always practice safe habits following the guidelines your eye care professional provided and check with them whenever you’re in doubt.

If you are guilty of sleeping or taking naps in your contact lenses, it’s time to change your eye care routine. You may want to consider taking out your contact lenses after dinner and switching to eyeglasses so you don’t forget them before bedtime. If you are a fan of naps or have an unpredictable schedule, visit your eye care provider and ask if extended-wear contact lenses are for you. You can browse all the contact lenses you sleep in at Lens.com.

Why are some contact lenses FDA-approved for overnight or extended wear while others aren’t?

The simplest reason why not all contact lenses are FDA-approved for overnight wear is that contact lens manufacturers have to apply for FDA approval. Applying for FDA approval is a lengthy process that requires submitting studies and research documents and passing clinical trials. If a manufacturer wants FDA approval, they’d have to spend considerable time and resources.

Another reason is that contact lenses designed for overnight wear are made of thinner material compared to daily wear contact lenses.

Many contact lens brands that are FDA-approved for overnight wear are made with silicone hydrogel, which is significantly more breathable than standard hydrogel. Silicone hydrogel allows for much better oxygen transmissibility, which is essential when wearing contact lenses for extended periods.

Which contact lenses can you sleep in?

You can only sleep in contact lenses that are designed for overnight wear. Popular contact lenses rated for overnight usage include:

Acuvue Oasys with Hydraclear Plus can be worn daily for two weeks or continuously for up to six nights and seven days, after which they must be removed, disposed of, and replaced with a new pair of lenses. These contact lenses feature Acuvue’s innovative Hydraclear Plus. Inspired by how the eye’s tear film works, this wetting agent keeps the contacts wet and smooth for all-day comfort. These contacts block more than 99 percent of UVB and 95 percent of UVA rays – some of the highest levels you’ll find on the market today.
AirOptix plus HydraGlyde combines two unique technologies into one lens: SmartShield Technology and HydraGlyde Moisture Matrix technology. SmartShield Technology creates an ultra-thin protective layer to help shield your lenses from deposits and provides long-lasting comfort. HydraGlyde Moisture Matrix, on the other hand, attracts and maintains surface moisture on the lens for up to 16 hours. SmartShield Technology and HydraGlyde Moisture Matrix technology make Air Optix plus HydraGlyde very comfortable.
Biofinity contact lenses bring a remarkable balance of comfort and breathability in a monthly disposable lens. They are FDA-approved for extended wear, meaning they can be worn continuously for up to six nights and seven days before they need to be replaced. These contacts feature CooperVision’s patented Aquaform^® Technology, which locks in water so you can enjoy all-day comfort. They also have smooth, rounded edges, enhancing comfort by minimizing interaction between your contact lenses and eyelids.
PureVision 2 HD contact lenses are another popular brand rated for night and day wear. Featuring Bausch + Lomb’s innovative High Definition™ Optics, these contact lenses help you see enhanced contrast, sharper details, and reduced glare, even in low light conditions. They reduce halos and give a crisp, clear vision while using digital devices or in low-light conditions. They’re made of a silicone hydrogel lens material that allows plenty of oxygen to reach your eyes, which they need to stay white and healthy.

Curious to see all the contact lenses you can sleep in? Visit Lens.com to learn more.

The lenses above have been approved by the FDA for use while asleep. If you already wear these contact lenses, ask your eye care provider before using contacts during sleep. Each individual’s eye health is different and your eye care provider needs to evaluate the overall health of your eye before approving overnight use.

Can you nap while wearing contact lenses?

Generally, no, you should not nap or sleep with contact lenses. This applies to all contact lens brands and types, unless specified. Falling asleep with your contact lenses could lead to infection and irritation. While modern soft contact lenses have incredible technology to ensure enough oxygen passes through the lenses in daily wear, having your eyes closed while you sleep reduces available oxygen and prevents tears from washing your eye under the contact lenses. This can potentially cause problems to your eyes through hypoxia of the eyes unless you use specific lenses designed for extended wear, as directed by your eye care professional.

Everyone faces different challenges when getting through each day, but some days are occasionally a tad more exhausting than others. Whether you are a new parent, finishing up work for a deadline, studying for an important exam, or going through health issues that keep you lethargic all day long, there’s one thing we can all agree on, and that is a nap. Studies have shown that naps boost productivity by improving alertness, performance, and mood.

Rather than avoid taking naps, consider talking to your doctor about changing your prescription to an extended-wear contact lens.

What if I fall asleep with the contact lenses for just 10 minutes?

The duration does make a difference, but it is not the only factor to consider. In general, the more time spent sleeping in contact lenses, the greater the risk that you will develop symptoms of infection or inflammation and suffer from the more severe consequences. For example, if you sometimes fall asleep during your work transit or take naps between 10 and 40 minutes long, you are likely not exposing yourself to any long-term health-related risks. You might, however, still experience blurred vision and dry eyes for a short period. If you’re asleep for an extended period of one or more hours, then your contact lenses can dry up in your eyes, which can lead to discomfort or a scratching sensation in your eyes when you open them.

The type of contact lenses you wear matters, too. Silicone hydrogel lenses allow more oxygen to the cornea, so your eyes won’t get sore. On the other hand, hydrogel lenses might cause some redness, irritation, and burning when you wake up– which could even damage your cornea. With shorter naps, these issues are less likely to occur.

The state your eyes are in before falling asleep also matters. If you have been using your contacts only for a few hours before going to bed, then there is a lower risk of your eyes getting irritated than if you have been wearing them all day. This is because contact lenses accumulate dirt and dust, such as when worn for extended periods or throughout the day. However, if you fall asleep with your contacts in the evening and stay in your eyes all night, this is more problematic.

How do you wear contact lenses safely?

Your eye health is just too important to take a chance. Consider speaking with your eye care professional about switching to contact lenses approved for extended wear when in doubt.

If you’ve accidentally slept in your contact lenses for brief periods or rarely, here are tips to help:

Attempt to remove your contact lenses as soon as you realize you’ve slept in them. But do not sidestep your regular hygiene process, such as washing your hands.
Always have a backup plan. Carry a spare set of lenses or a pair of eyeglasses. It’s also a good idea to keep contact solution or eye drops in your purse, backpack, or office.
If you’ve fallen asleep on an overnight trip and realize you didn’t bring your contact lenses or cleaning supplies, find a pharmacy as soon as possible so that you can remove and clean your lenses. At the very least, put in eye drops so your lens can rehydrate and reduce the pressure on your cornea, and it is imperative to remove your lens as soon as possible.
Never put your contact lenses in your mouth to moisten or clean them. Saliva is not sterile and will increase the risk of an eye infection.
Before wearing your contact lenses again, ensure they are thoroughly cleaned and inspect them for small tears or other imperfections. If you notice any irregularities, throw them away. And start with a fresh pair. It’s always a good idea to go at least one day without contact lenses if you’ve slept in them; this will give your eyes a chance to recover.
If you experience any symptoms of an eye infection or discomfort, seek care from your eye care professional.

Always practice safe habits and check with your eye care professional whenever you doubt.

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Scheduling dental care during prenatal visits boosts oral health care during pregnancy

Scheduling a dental appointment during prenatal clinic visits—a simple, no-cost task that doesn’t require extra staff—increases the likelihood that patients later see a dentist during pregnancy.

Published

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August 14, 2026

ZestMag.com Staff

Prenatal visits might include bloodwork, discussions of due dates and vitamins, and ultrasounds. What if these visits could also improve oral health care among pregnant patients?

New research shows that scheduling a dental appointment during prenatal clinic visits—a simple, no-cost task that doesn’t require extra staff—increases the likelihood that patients later see a dentist during pregnancy.

The study, published in the American Journal of Public Health, demonstrates the benefit of coordination among health providers and integrating oral health into prenatal care, especially for vulnerable patient populations.

Historically, dentists avoided treating women during pregnancy unless it was an emergency, or only provided care during the second trimester. This guidance changed once studies showed that routine and emergency dental care is safe during pregnancy—and current obstetric and dental guidelines stress that dental care can and should be provided during this critical period.

Moreover, pregnancy increases the risk of some oral health conditions, including gum inflammation and sometimes tooth decay, making routine dental care even more important during pregnancy. Some oral health issues may affect the fetus or even be transmissible to the child after birth.

Marginalized groups, including low-income individuals and those insured by Medicaid, are known to have higher rates of dental disease. Yet women enrolled in Medicaid are far less likely to see a dentist for a cleaning during pregnancy compared to women with private insurance.

“Many of those vulnerable to oral disease enter pregnancy with dental disease, and this may worsen during pregnancy,” said study author Stefanie Russell, associate professor at Rutgers School of Dental Medicine and an adjunct associate professor at NYU College of Dentistry, who led this research while at NYU.

One way to try and increase dental care among pregnant women is to reach them where they already are: their prenatal appointments. To bridge this gap, researchers and clinicians at NYU College of Dentistry teamed up with neighboring NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue, the oldest public hospital in the US, to create the New York University/Bellevue Prenatal Oral Health Program.

During weekly sessions at Bellevue’s prenatal clinic, pregnant patients receive a standardized screening to assess their oral health. Those with dental needs are referred to NYU College of Dentistry for follow-up care, educated about the importance and safety of dental care during pregnancy, and informed that Medicaid covers dental care in New York.

From 2018 to 2020, 420 prenatal patients with Medicaid coverage were referred to NYU Dentistry for follow-up dental care; the majority were Hispanic, and roughly half spoke Spanish as their first language. Referrals for dental care took two forms: immediately scheduled dental appointments made before the patient left the prenatal clinic or through a patient navigator. The patient navigator—a bilingual professional—educated patients regarding oral health, reminded patients of their upcoming dental appointments, and followed up after to identify any issues.

Nearly 44 percent of patients referred to NYU College of Dentistry followed through with a dental appointment. Both immediate appointment scheduling and the patient navigator increased the chances of a patient receiving dental care, but those who had appointments scheduled at their prenatal visit were 2.6 times more likely to see a dentist than those without appointments scheduled—even more likely than those who worked with the patient navigator.

“This suggests that immediately scheduled dental appointments can be an effective way to increase dental care utilization during pregnancy, without needing to hire extra staff,” said study author Shulamite Huang, assistant professor of epidemiology and health promotion at NYU College of Dentistry.

The authors conclude that integrating oral health screening in a prenatal clinic is feasible and increases engagement with dental care during pregnancy. They are continuing their research to measure whether this care improves oral health outcomes and to better understand how dental screening can be successfully integrated with prenatal care in other settings.

“A warm hand-off is key for addressing part of the barriers to dental care during pregnancy. Our team plans to further investigate and optimize interventions addressing both patient-, provider-, and healthcare system-level barriers to dental care during pregnancy,” said Huang.

Additional study authors include Richard Heyman and Mary Kang of NYU Dentistry; Belkys Saba, formerly of NYU Dentistry; Chloe Bird of the Tufts University School of Medicine; and Chengwu Yang of the Florida Atlantic University Schmidt College of Medicine.

NewsMakers

Why a UTI hurts — and why that might be a good thing

Australian researchers have discovered a previously overlooked group of bladder nerves that help detect urinary tract infections (UTIs) and trigger the body’s response to clear them, providing a potential new target for future bladder pain therapies.

Published

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ZestMag.com Staff

The study shows that bladder nerves located close to the lining of the bladder act as a frontline infection sensor, helping the body recognise UTIs and trigger responses that reduce the severity and spread of infection.

UTIs are among the most common bacterial infections worldwide, with more than 400 million cases reported every year. Nearly one in three women will experience UTIs before the age of 24, and many elderly people and those with bladder issues from spinal cord injuries can experience multiple UTIs in a single year.

Symptoms often include frequent urination, a sudden urge to urinate, pain during urination, and pelvic discomfort can be debilitating for some patients.

Flinders University’s Dr Luke Grundy says that while scientists have long understood how the bladder senses as it fills and triggers urination, the role of a specialised group of bladder nerves near the bladder lining has remained unclear.

“Most bladder nerves act like a fuel gauge, telling the brain when the bladder is filling up and needs emptying,” says Dr Grundy, Head of the NeuroUrology Research Group at Flinders University.

“The nerves we studied in this research are different. They sit close to the bladder lining and appear to act more like an early warning system, detecting infection and inflammation.

“They don’t just sense infection. They help coordinate the body’s response to it by triggering pain and urinary frequency, behaviours that appear to help clear bacteria from the bladder as part of the body’s defence system.”

Lead author and recently graduated PhD student Dr Cindy Tay says the discovery changes how these nerves are understood.

“These mucosal nerves have puzzled scientists for almost two decades because they stay quiet while the bladder fills and empties, which is the main job of the bladder,” says Dr Tay.

“What we’ve found is that they have a hidden job — acting as an early warning system that springs into action the moment infection takes hold.”

The research team developed a novel method to selectively study a specialised group of sensory nerves in the bladder lining of mice, revealing that while these nerves play little role in normal bladder function, they become highly responsive during a UTI and help detect and respond to infection.

“When the bladder is healthy, these nerves are relatively quiet, but during a urinary tract infection they become highly sensitive and respond to the presence of bacteria and inflammation,” says Dr Grundy.

“It may feel unpleasant, but urinating more frequently actually helps clear the infection by flushing out the harmful bacteria.”

The study also helps explain why people with conditions affecting nerve function may be more prone to recurrent or severe UTIs.

“If the nerves that detect infection aren’t working properly, the body may not respond as effectively,” says Dr Grundy.

Building on previous research, the new study reveals a deeper understanding of how UTIs affect bladder function and the nervous system, and could help develop new treatments that target these nerves to relieve UTI-related symptoms.

“Our findings provide new insight into how the bladder detects and responds to infection, helping explain the biological processes that drive the pain, urgency and discomfort commonly experienced during UTIs,” says Dr Grundy

Researchers say the next challenge is to develop therapies that ease the pain and urgency associated with UTIs while preserving the protective role these nerves play in fighting infection.

The paper, ‘Bladder mucosal afferents detect UTI and aid pathogen clearance,’ by Cindy Tay, Harman Sharma, Stewart Ramsay (University of Adelaide), Georgia Bourlotos, Sarah K Manning, Natalie E Stevens, Sophie J Miller, Geraint B Rogers, David J Lynn, Feargal J Ryan, Andrea M Harrington (University of Adelaide), Vladimir Zagorodnyuk, Steven L Taylor and Luke Grundy was published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).

NewsMakers

Pregnancy complications can signal heart disease risk years before traditional screening, study finds

Some women, particularly younger women often considered low risk, may face a higher risk of heart disease earlier than previously recognized.

Published

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ZestMag.com Staff

McGill University researchers have developed a new tool to identify heart disease risk in women earlier in life.

Findings from a study published in JACC: Advances highlight gaps in existing approaches.

“Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women, yet existing risk tools were developed in older populations and ignore factors unique to women,” said senior author Robert Platt, Professor in the Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Occupational Health and Director of the School of Population and Global Health.

While pregnancy complications are known to be linked to future heart risk, there has been no way to identify which younger women are most at risk, he added.

Detecting risk earlier

Using health data from more than 260,000 women in the UK aged 15 to 45 who had given birth, researchers developed and validated a prediction model to estimate future heart disease risk. Participants were followed for nearly four years after delivery.

The model identified several factors – not included in existing tools – that can help predict risk, including hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, gestational diabetes, preterm birth, PCOS, depression, thyroid disorders, oral contraceptive use and social deprivation.

The findings suggest some women, particularly younger women often considered low risk, may face a higher risk of heart disease earlier than previously recognized.

“Millions of women who give birth each year are never considered candidates for cardiovascular risk assessment simply because of their age,” said co-author Kristian Filion, Professor in the Departments of Medicine and of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Occupational Health.

If integrated into routine postpartum care, this tool could enable earlier monitoring, lifestyle counselling or referral to a specialist, potentially helping prevent a heart attack or stroke later in life, he added.

The next step is to validate the model in Canada and the United States. In the longer term, the goal is to integrate a practical calculator into electronic health records so higher-risk patients can be identified earlier.

About the study

“Development and Validation of a Prediction Model for Cardiovascular Risk in Reproductive-Aged Women” by Sonia Grandi, Kristian Filion, Jennifer Hutcheon, Graeme Smith, and Robert Platt was published in JACC: Advances. The study was supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.