{"id":506768,"date":"2026-06-18T21:20:14","date_gmt":"2026-06-18T21:20:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/506768\/"},"modified":"2026-06-18T21:20:14","modified_gmt":"2026-06-18T21:20:14","slug":"nearly-9-in-10-contact-lens-wearers-admit-to-sleeping-in-their-lenses-despite-risks-new-study-reveals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/506768\/","title":{"rendered":"Nearly 9 in 10 contact lens wearers admit to sleeping in their lenses despite risks, new study reveals"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Graph<\/a><\/p>\n

9 in 10 wearers have slept in their lenses, Oculase Contact Lens Study 2026<\/p>\n

Experts warn common habit could significantly increase risk of serious eye infection.<\/p>\n

Many people think sleeping in lenses occasionally is harmless because they don\u2019t experience immediate symptoms \u2013 but repeated overnight wear can increase the risk of serious infection over time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u2014 Tariq Ayoub<\/p>\n

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM, June 18, 2026 \/EINPresswire.com<\/a>\/ — Almost nine in 10 contact lens wearers admit to sleeping in their lenses \u2013 a habit eye specialists warn could significantly increase the risk of serious infection.<\/p>\n

New research<\/a> from leading eye clinic Oculase, based on a survey of 300 contact lens users, found that 88% of people have slept in their contact lenses, with 16% doing so regularly and more than 70% occasionally. <\/p>\n

Despite clinical guidance advising against it, the findings suggest that sleeping in lenses has become a widely accepted \u2013 and underestimated \u2013 behaviour. <\/p>\n

Tariq Ayoub<\/a>, founder of Oculase \u2013 The Eye Clinic,<\/a> explains: \u201cSleeping in contact lenses reduces oxygen to your cornea, leaving the surface stressed, slightly swollen, and more fragile.<\/p>\n

\u201cWithout blinking, tears don\u2019t refresh \u2013 so debris and microbes get trapped against the eye.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat combination makes infection, including microbial keratitis, much more likely and potentially sight threatening.\u201d<\/p>\n

The study also revealed that risky behaviours extended beyond sleep:
\u2022\t79% of respondents said they wear lenses in the shower
\u2022\t61% wear them while swimming or in hot tubs
\u2022\tMore than half (53%) admit to rinsing lenses or cases with tap water<\/p>\n

Together, these habits significantly increase exposure to harmful microorganisms that can lead to serious infection. Sadiq Zaman, an optometrist in East London says: \u201cWhat\u2019s striking is how normalised these behaviours have become. Many patients are genuinely surprised to learn that habits like showering or sleeping in lenses can increase infection risk.\u201d<\/p>\n

A \u2018normal\u2019 habit with serious consequences<\/p>\n

While many wearers see sleeping in lenses as harmless \u2013 especially if done occasionally \u2013 experts say even short periods can reduce oxygen to the eye and increase the risk of complications. <\/p>\n

The survey found that contact lens discomfort is already widespread: <\/p>\n

\u2022\tMore than half of respondents reported dry eyes, redness or irritation.
\u2022\tTwo-thirds (67%) said they had stopped wearing lenses due to discomfort or an eye problem.<\/p>\n

Andy, a contact lens wearer from London, says: \u201cI used to fall asleep in them and didn\u2019t think it was a big deal until one day I woke up with a red, painful eye. <\/p>\n

\u201cI saw the ophthalmologist immediately who confirmed I had a contact lens infection.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lack of awareness around serious infections<\/p>\n

The findings also highlight a major awareness gap. More than 80% of respondents had never heard of acanthamoeba keratitis \u2013 a rare but sight-threatening infection linked to contact lens use. <\/p>\n

Experts say many of these risks are preventable with better awareness and safer behaviours. \u201cThe reassuring part is that most of these cases are preventable with simple habits,\u201d says Mr Ayoub. \u201cAvoid water exposure, clean lenses properly, and replace them as advised. If you develop red eyes or photosensitivity see your eye doctor immediately.\u201d <\/p>\n

[ENDS]<\/p>\n

About this study<\/p>\n

This page summarises findings from Oculase’s 2026 contact lens safety study, conducted among 300 UK contact lens wearers. The data and commentary may be referenced with attribution to Oculase.<\/p>\n

Sample size: 300 contact lens wearers aged 18\u201364
Location: United Kingdom
Fieldwork: March 2026
Method: Online survey via Pollfish
Access the raw data:: https:\/\/oculase.com\/blog\/contact-lens-study-2026\/<\/a> <\/p>\n

About Oculase \u2013 The Eye Clinic
Oculase is a leading consultant-led eye clinic specialising in advanced treatments including cataract surgery, laser vision correction, and dry eye care. With clinics across London and Hertfordshire, Oculase is committed to helping patients see clearly and safely through expert-led care.<\/p>\n

Weronika Krakowiak
The Covalent Bond
weronika@thecovalentbond.com<\/a>
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LinkedIn<\/a><\/p>\n

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\n June 18, 2026, 20:02 GMT\n <\/p>\n

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