Save yourself from getting into rush hours and buy your contacts online.
As contact lenses become more common and affordable, many people are making the switch from glasses. Colored contact lenses are a great way to show some flair and style while correcting your vision, and they’re becoming a popular choice. Some contacts are approved for extended wear; others should be worn only during the day.
So can you wear colored contact lenses overnight? Keep reading to find out why or why not.
Sleeping in Contact Lenses
You’ve definitely heard that you should NEVER sleep in your contacts. While some brands innovated contact lenses that can be worn continuously for up to seven days and six nights of extended wear, it is still never a good idea. This talk of this new development has led to some confusion, and we’re here to clear things up.
Can I leave my contacts in at night?
You may wonder if contact lenses are safe to leave in at night because of these advances in technology. After all, the soft lenses of today are more breathable and gentler on your eyes than the hard, rigid lenses of years past.
But the simple answer is no, you should never sleep in your contact lenses. Most contact lenses for daily wear are not approved for extended use, and using them for too long can lead to a higher risk of serious eye problems like corneal ulcers.
What happens if I leave my contacts in at night?
When worn properly, contact lenses can have side effects like discomfort, mild burning, and irritation. When worn improperly, the risk of infection and corneal ulcer is much higher. That's why it's always important to follow the guidelines established by your eye care professional.
For some, using specially approved extended-wear lenses may be an option, but if you can take them out each night, you should still do so. Even with the increased airflow of today’s soft lenses, your eyes still need a chance to breathe. Although Air Optix Night & Day offer up to 30 days and nights of continuous wear for some, Air Optix Colors do not have that feature and therefore should never be slept in.
Taking your contact lenses out at night allows the natural fluid of your tears to clean and restore your eyes, refreshing them for the next time you put your lenses back in.
| Air Optix Night & Day 6 Pack | ||
|---|---|---|
|
|
Add to Cart |
Who Needs Extended Wear Lenses?
Typically, people who have unpredictable or extra-long shifts– like firefighters, healthcare professionals, or law enforcement workers, for example, may greatly benefit from extended wear lenses.
Those in high-stress or overtime situations depend on using lenses they don’t have to remove after 16 hours. Firefighters usually sleep at the station during their shift and have to get ready to go in just seconds. Being able to sleep in your contacts can be crucial for those who work in unpredictable or high-pressure careers.
If you aren't in one of these professions, the extra cost for extended-wear lenses isn't usually worth the hassle. Establishing a regular daily routine and removing your lenses each night is ideal for optimizing your eye health!
Don’t Sleep in Regular Contacts
Most contacts are not FDA-approved for extended wear. Even if so, you should never sleep in your contacts unless your eye care professional gives you permission. Please note that the risk for complications due to sleeping in your contacts is always higher for extended-wear contact lenses.
If you have a health condition or predisposition to one that might make using extended-wear contacts dangerous to your eye health, then speak with your eye care provider before beginning any kind of contact lens regimen.
Are Air Optix Colors Approved for Extended Wear?
No. Air Optix Colors are monthly disposable contact lenses. Air Optix Colors are designed to be worn during the day, taken out at night, and stored in lens solution, then discarded after a maximum of one month’s use. Discard sooner if the lens becomes damaged, torn, contaminated, or causes irritation. Always read the package insert, which contains important information about Air Optix Colors and how to use them. Air Optix does have another type of contact lens approved for extended wear, Air Optix Night & Day, but these contacts do not come with color options.
| Air Optix Colors 6 Pack | ||
|---|---|---|
|
|
Add to Cart |
What Are Air Optix Colored Contacts Made Of?
Air Optix Colors are Lotrafilcon B contact lenses. They correct nearsightedness or farsightedness in those who have been prescribed contact lenses. Even if you are wearing these contacts just to change your eye color, contact lenses are still medical devices that require a prescription to use.
Only wear contact lenses as directed under the supervision of a licensed eye care professional. If you improperly use contact lenses, eye problems such as corneal ulcers and loss of vision may result. Speak to your eye doctor if you experience any issues with your contacts.
Are There Risks to Wearing Colored Contact Lenses?
If you choose to wear contact lenses without needing a corrective prescription, you are willfully assuming the same risks as someone who wears them to correct their vision. There is an increased risk of irritation and infection compared to not wearing contact lenses at all. If you do not remove your lenses at night or clean them properly,an increased risk of eye infection will result, and in worst cases, loss of vision.
You may experience burning, stinging, or discomfort while wearing contacts. These are all classified as normal side effects as there is generally an adjustment period for all lens wearers. Always follow the usage replacement schedule outlined by your eye health professional, but never exceed one month of daily use per lens. Follow the manufacturer's usage instructions for the best results. Visit our guide on the Top 10 Problems with Contact Lenses and How to Prevent Them for more information.
Air Optix Colors are available in prescriptions that treat near-sightedness (myopia) and far-sightedness (hyperopia). If you need treatment for astigmatism and/or presbyopia, see our other Air Optix options. Say goodbye to dry eyes with Air Optix Plus Hydraglyde contact lenses for Astigmatism and Air Optix Plus Hydraglyde Multifocal lenses for presbyopia. These lenses are both great (non-colored) options for your corrective eyewear needs.
|
|
|---|---|
| Air Optix HydraGlyde for Astigmatism 6 Pack | Air Optix HydraGlyde Multifocal 6 Pack |
|
|
What Can My Eyes Look Like with Air Optix Colors?
Air Optix by Alcon is available in a wide array of colors. There are a dozen shades for you to choose from, allowing you to try on every natural eye color as easily as switching contacts. If you've always wanted to change from blue eyes to brown, Air Optix Colors makes it possible.
Choose from a variety of colors such as: Blue, Green, Gray, Pure Hazel, Honey, Turquoise, Amethyst, Brown, Brilliant Blue, Gemstone Green, Sterling Gray, and True Sapphire.
With their 3-in-1 Color Technology, these lenses blend their colors with your individual eye shade to create a signature look completely unique to you. Air Optix Colors provides a comfortable fit with their SmartShield Technology. If you desire an enhanced eye look in the form of a comfortable and convenient monthly disposable contact lens, then opt for Air Optix colored contacts.
Where is the Best Place to Find Colored Contact Lenses?
Even with a prescription, you don’t need to place an order for colored contacts with an eye care professional directly. With a valid prescription, you can order corrective or non-corrective lenses in any color you choose. WebEyeCare carries the entire line of Air Optix contact lenses at especially low prices with the option to sign up for automatic renewal, that way you’ll always have the contacts you need.
| Contact Lens | Deatures | Shop Now |
|---|---|---|
| Air Optix Colors 6 Pack |
|
Add to Cart |
| Air Optix Night & Day 6 Pack |
|
Add to Cart |
| Air Optix Plus HydraGlyde 6 Pack |
|
Add to Cart |
| Air Optix HydraGlyde for Astigmatism 6 Pack |
|
Add to Cart |
| Air Optix HydraGlyde Multifocal 6 Pack |
|
Add to Cart |
| Air Optix Colors 2 Pack |
|
Add to Cart |
Air Optix Colors are HSA and FSA-eligible, meaning that you don’t have to worry about insurance coverage or billing if you use either an FSA or HSA to cover part of your medical expenses. If you’d like to know more about which products from Webeyecare are eligible for FSA/HSA benefits, check out the article on our site titled ‘All About FSA’ to learn more.
