Best Practices for Napping with Contacts: Ensure Eye Safety

Posted by: Northwest Eye in Vision Correction on October 3, 2026

Introduction

We understand that napping with contact lenses might feel convenient, but it’s important to consider the potential impact on your eye health. Caring for your contact lenses is crucial for keeping your eyes healthy, especially when it comes to napping. While many people find it tempting to nap with their lenses in, this can lead to discomfort and potential complications.

In this article, we’ll share helpful tips for napping with contact lenses, so you can protect your vision while still enjoying those restorative moments of sleep.

What precautions should contact lens wearers take to ensure their eyes remain healthy and comfortable during those brief moments of rest?

Understand the Risks of Napping with Contact Lenses

We know how tempting it can be to take a quick nap with your contact lenses in, but it’s important to understand the risks involved in napping with contacts. Wearing lenses can feel convenient, but it can actually limit the oxygen your eyes need to stay healthy. This means that even a quick nap could put your eye health at serious risk, and we want to help you avoid that. Even a short nap can lead to discomfort and serious complications, and we want to help you stay safe.

For instance, one patient, a 34-year-old man, faced a long recovery after developing a serious eye infection from sleeping in his contacts too often. It’s concerning to know that many corneal ulcers are linked to sleeping in contact lenses, and we want to help you avoid becoming one of those statistics. Experts advise against napping with contacts, as even a brief period can create a warm, moist environment that bacteria love.

The CDC warns that not removing your contacts before sleeping can greatly increase your risk of serious eye infections, and we want to help you stay informed. Understanding these risks is crucial for keeping your eyes safe, and we’re here to support you in making the best choices for your eye health.

Prepare for Your Nap: Essential Steps to Follow

We understand that napping with contacts can be a concern for many, but with the right precautions, you can do it safely. Here are some essential steps to minimize risks:

1. Evaluate Your Vision Aids: Ensure that your corrective lenses are suitable for short-term use. If they aren’t designed for extended wear, it’s best to remove them before napping with contacts. We want to emphasize that napping with contacts can significantly increase the risk of infections, so it’s best to remove them for your safety.
2. We encourage you to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling your contact lenses, as this simple step can help protect your eyes. Avoid using water or saliva for care of the optics, as these can introduce harmful microorganisms.
3. Use Lubricating Drops: If your eyes tend to dry out, consider using lubricating eye drops that are safe for contact wearers. This can help maintain moisture and comfort during your nap.
4. Limit nap duration when napping with contacts by keeping your nap short, ideally under 20 minutes, to reduce the risk of complications. Longer naps can significantly increase the likelihood of discomfort and eye health issues.
5. Examine Your Optical Devices: Regularly check your optical devices for any signs of damage, such as tears or cloudiness. If they seem cloudy or worn out, they should be replaced to preserve eye health. Furthermore, remember to change your container every three months to avoid bacterial accumulation.

By taking these precautions, you can rest easy knowing you’re protecting your eye health. Taking these steps not only enhances your comfort but also safeguards your vision for the future.

Implement Best Practices for Safe Napping with Contacts

We understand that napping with contacts can raise concerns about your eye health. Here are some best practices to help you feel more at ease:

1. Remove Optical Devices if Possible: If you can, take out your vision aids before napping. This is the safest option for your eye health.
2. Consider using contact products designed for extended wear if you are napping with contacts. These allow more oxygen to reach your cornea, which can help minimize dryness and irritation for those who are napping with contacts.
3. Limit nap duration: It’s a good idea to keep your naps under 20 minutes to avoid any discomfort that might come from napping with contacts.
4. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your body and vision well-moisturized. The human body is composed of approximately 60% water, and the human eye is about 98% water. Dehydration can worsen dryness and discomfort, potentially leading to serious conditions like dry eye syndrome and increasing the risk of infections. In fact, there are about four instances of keratitis for every 10,000 contact wearers.
5. Monitor eye comfort by paying attention to how your eyes feel before and after napping with contacts. If you notice discomfort, redness, or blurred vision, remove your contacts promptly and consult your eye care provider.
6. Follow Up with Eye Care: After napping, make sure to clean and store your contacts properly. If you notice any unusual symptoms, seek professional advice promptly.

By following these guidelines, you can rest easy knowing you’re taking care of your eyes while enjoying a refreshing nap.

Manage Aftercare: What to Do If You Experience Issues

Experiencing discomfort after wearing your eyewear can be frustrating and concerning, but we’re here to guide you through the best steps for relief. If you feel discomfort after napping with eyewear, follow these important aftercare steps:

1. Remove Your Eyewear: Promptly take out your vision correction devices if you notice any discomfort, redness, or irritation. This allows your eyes to breathe and recover. Conditions such as allergies, conjunctivitis, dry eye disease, keratoconus, and thyroid eye disease can lead to sore, red, and itchy eyes, which may worsen with the use of corrective eyewear.
2. Consider using rewetting drops designed for eyewear users to help ease dryness and bring back some comfort. These drops can significantly enhance your experience.
3. Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes: Rubbing can worsen irritation and lead to complications. Instead, gently blink to promote natural lubrication.
4. Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms. If discomfort persists or worsens, consult your eye care provider for further evaluation. Symptoms like redness and irritation can indicate underlying issues such as dry eye disease or conjunctivitis.
5. Schedule an Eye Exam: If you experience significant discomfort or changes in vision, it’s crucial to schedule an appointment with your eye care provider to rule out any serious issues.

Taking care of your eyes is essential, and following these steps can help you feel better and protect your vision. Using preservative-free eye drops is recommended to minimize irritation. By following these steps, you’re not just addressing discomfort; you’re actively caring for your eye health and ensuring a brighter, clearer future.

Conclusion

While napping with contact lenses might feel like a simple choice, it can lead to unexpected challenges for your eye health. We understand that many people find it easy to nap with their lenses in, but it’s important to be aware of the potential complications that can arise. By taking care of your eyes and following some simple guidelines, you can rest easy knowing you’re protecting your vision.

Key insights from this article highlight the importance of removing contact lenses before napping. Even short periods of wear can create an environment conducive to infections. Here are some essential steps to consider:

• Evaluate the suitability of your lenses.
• Maintain proper hygiene.
• Use lubricating drops to keep your eyes comfortable.

Additionally, monitoring your eye comfort and seeking professional advice when discomfort arises are vital components of responsible contact lens use. Taking these steps not only helps keep your eyes healthy but also gives you peace of mind.

When you prioritize your eye health, you’re not just enhancing your daily comfort; you’re also ensuring a brighter future for your vision. By taking these steps, you’re not just protecting your vision; you’re investing in your overall well-being for the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the risks of napping with contact lenses?

Napping with contact lenses can limit the oxygen supply to your eyes, leading to discomfort and serious complications, including eye infections and corneal ulcers.

Can even a short nap with contact lenses be harmful?

Yes, even a brief nap can create a warm, moist environment that bacteria thrive in, increasing the risk of eye infections.

What does the CDC say about sleeping with contact lenses?

The CDC warns that not removing your contacts before sleeping significantly increases the risk of serious eye infections.

Are there any real-life examples of complications from napping with contacts?

Yes, one patient developed a serious eye infection after frequently sleeping in his contact lenses, resulting in a long recovery.

How can I keep my eyes safe if I wear contact lenses?

It is crucial to remove your contact lenses before sleeping or napping to maintain eye health and reduce the risk of infections.

List of Sources

1. Understand the Risks of Napping with Contact Lenses
   • Can You Sleep with Contacts In? | Warby Parker (https://warbyparker.com/learn/sleeping-with-contacts)
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   • What Percentage of Contact Lens–Related Corneal Ulcers Are Linked to Sleeping in Lenses? Infection Sources, Overnight Wear Risk, & Prevention | Glossary (https://lens.com/questions-answered/what-percentage-of-contact-lens-related-corneal-ulcers-are-linked-to-sleeping-in-lenses?srsltid=AU7gw4UhEfQUarbtY8eAdgE30Ee6w2cg_OuNddeYQDF-fW615pyCl0bS)
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2. Prepare for Your Nap: Essential Steps to Follow
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3. Implement Best Practices for Safe Napping with Contacts
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4. Manage Aftercare: What to Do If You Experience Issues
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