Why can't people that wear contact lenses sleep with them? What will happen?

Question

Why can't people that wear contact lenses sleep with them? What will happen?

Answer 1

A Lot of people with contacts do sleep in them.  Unless contacts are specifically designed for overnight/extended wear (which they do make) you shouldn't.  The contact lens prevents the eye from getting the oxygen it needs and over time it will begin to grow extra blood vessels to try and get more oxygen.  It can also cause a your cornea to become calloused.

Answer 2

You end up with eyes in the morning that are MORE sore, dry and puffy than a BAD hangover!

I think the contacts end up drying out if you wear them too long.  The substance they are made out of needs to soak for 5 to 10 hours a day to recharge.  As you wear them, they become dry, itchy, irritable.   Thats why rewetting drops help a bit.  But still no comparison to the nightly soak.

Besides, taking them out gives your eyes a break.  If you wear them too long, your eyes will become bloodshot and prolong wear could cause eye damage to the point where you wouldnt be allowed to wear contacts anymore!!!  Its not worth it!