Is sleeping in contact lenses safe if they are approved for extended wear?
Sleeping in contact lenses increases corneal infection risk even with lenses approved for overnight wear. Approval does not make the risk disappear. Remove lenses before sleep unless your eye professional has prescribed a specific plan, and follow its care and review instructions.
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Naps count too
Falling asleep unintentionally in lenses is not made safe by a short nap. Extended-wear lenses require individual selection and follow-up. Do not extend the use of daily disposable or ordinary daily-wear lenses on your own.
Care lowers risk but cannot remove it
Wash and dry hands before handling lenses. Use fresh appropriate solution without topping up old solution. Keep lenses away from tap water, swimming and showers, and follow replacement and case-cleaning instructions. Looking clean does not establish safety.
When to seek prompt examination
Eye pain, redness, discharge, light sensitivity or blurred vision after lens wear needs prompt assessment. Remove the lenses gently if possible; do not reinsert them or start old drops, especially steroid drops, before assessment. Some corneal infections can threaten sight, so do not wait for symptoms to become severe.
Related reading: Should I choose glasses or contact lenses for vision correction?.