At Clearly Eye Care, we frequently answer questions about contact lens care, safety, and daily wear habits. Proper contact lens hygiene protects your vision, reduces the risk of eye infections, and keeps your eyes comfortable long term. Below are the most common questions patients ask about caring for contact lenses, including whether it is safe to sleep in them.
What Types of Contact Lenses Are Available?
There are several types of contact lenses available today, and choosing the right one depends on your prescription, eye health, and lifestyle. During a comprehensive contact lens exam at Clearly Eye Care, we help patients select the safest and most comfortable option for their needs.
Daily Disposable Contact Lenses
Daily disposable lenses are worn once and discarded at the end of the day. These are among the most hygienic options because a fresh, sterile lens is used every day. They are ideal for patients with allergies, dry eyes, or busy lifestyles.
Bi-Weekly and Monthly Contact Lenses
Bi-weekly and monthly lenses are designed for repeated use within a specific replacement schedule. These lenses must be cleaned and stored properly each night using contact lens solution. They are a cost-effective option but require strict hygiene practices to prevent infection.
Extended Wear Contact Lenses
Extended wear lenses are designed to allow more oxygen to reach the eye and, in some cases, may be approved for overnight use. However, sleeping in contact lenses still increases the risk of complications, and they should only be worn overnight under the supervision of your eye doctor.
Toric Contact Lenses for Astigmatism
Toric lenses are specially designed for patients with astigmatism. They provide stable vision correction by maintaining proper alignment on the eye. Proper fitting is essential to ensure clear vision and comfort.
Multifocal and Bifocal Contact Lenses
Multifocal contact lenses correct both near and distance vision, making them ideal for patients with presbyopia who want to reduce dependence on reading glasses. These lenses require precise fitting to ensure balanced vision at all distances.
Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses
Rigid gas permeable lenses are durable lenses that provide crisp vision and excellent oxygen flow. They are sometimes recommended for patients with irregular corneas or specific medical eye conditions. While they require an adjustment period, they can provide exceptional visual clarity.
Selecting the right type of contact lenses improves comfort, reduces dryness, and supports long-term eye health. A professional contact lens fitting at Clearly Eye Care ensures that your lenses are properly matched to your eyes and lifestyle.
Can You Sleep in Contact Lenses?
In most cases, no. Sleeping in contact lenses significantly increases the risk of eye infections, corneal ulcers, redness, and oxygen deprivation to the eye. Even contact lenses labeled as “extended wear” should only be worn overnight if specifically approved by your eye doctor. When your eyes are closed during sleep, oxygen flow is already reduced. Wearing contact lenses overnight further limits oxygen to the cornea and raises the risk of complications.
If you accidentally fall asleep in your contacts, apply lubricating eye drops before attempting removal. Never remove dry lenses immediately. If you notice redness, pain, light sensitivity, or blurry vision afterward, schedule an eye exam right away.
How Often Should You Replace Contact Lenses?
The replacement schedule depends on the type of lenses prescribed:
Daily disposable lenses should be discarded after one use. Bi-weekly lenses must be replaced every 14 days. Monthly lenses should be replaced every 30 days. Extending wear beyond the recommended schedule allows protein deposits and bacteria to accumulate, increasing the risk of infection and inflammation. Always follow your prescribed replacement schedule to maintain healthy eyes.
How Do You Properly Clean Contact Lenses?
If you wear reusable contact lenses, proper cleaning is essential. Wash and dry your hands thoroughly before handling lenses. Remove one lens at a time and gently rub it in the palm of your hand with fresh contact lens solution, even if the solution is labeled “no-rub.” Rinse thoroughly and store in a clean lens case filled with fresh solution. Never reuse old solution and never top off existing solution.
Replace your contact lens case every one to three months to reduce bacterial contamination. Never use tap water, bottled water, or saliva to clean or store lenses. Water can contain harmful microorganisms that may cause serious eye infections.
How Many Hours Per Day Can You Wear Contacts?
Most patients should limit contact lens wear to eight to twelve hours per day. Wearing contacts for too long can lead to dryness, irritation, and inflammation. If your eyes begin to feel uncomfortable, remove the lenses and allow your eyes to rest. Your eye doctor at Clearly Eye Care can evaluate whether your lenses or wear schedule need adjustment.
Can You Shower or Swim with Contact Lenses?
No. Showering, swimming, or using hot tubs while wearing contact lenses increases the risk of infection. Water exposure can introduce bacteria and other microorganisms to the eye. If your lenses are exposed to water, remove and replace them as soon as possible.
What Are Signs of a Contact Lens Problem?
Remove your lenses immediately and contact an eye doctor if you experience persistent redness, eye pain, sensitivity to light, blurred vision, discharge, or a sensation that something is stuck in your eye. These symptoms may indicate infection or corneal injury and require prompt evaluation.
How Often Should You Schedule a Contact Lens Exam?
An annual contact lens exam is essential to maintain healthy vision. Even if your vision seems stable, your eye doctor must evaluate lens fit, check corneal health, and update your prescription. Regular eye exams help prevent complications and ensure your contact lenses remain safe and comfortable.
Final Thoughts on Safe Contact Lens Care
Contact lenses are safe and effective when worn properly and maintained with correct hygiene practices. Most contact lens complications occur when patients sleep in lenses, overwear them, or skip routine eye exams. Following professional recommendations protects your vision and supports long-term eye health.
Choosing the right type of contact lenses is just as important as maintaining proper hygiene. Advances in contact lens technology now offer options for dry eyes, astigmatism, multifocal vision correction, and extended digital screen use. During a comprehensive contact lens exam at Clearly Eye Care, we evaluate your eye health, lifestyle, and vision needs to determine the safest and most comfortable lens option for you. Wearing properly fitted lenses significantly reduces irritation and long-term complications.
If you have questions about contact lens care, eye irritation, or scheduling a contact lens exam, contact Clearly Eye Care today to protect your vision and keep your eyes healthy year-round.