Wearing contact lenses every day is incredibly common for vision correction, but one question we often hear at Downtown Eyes is: “Can I sleep in my contacts?” The answer depends on the specific type of contact lenses you wear. While most standard soft or rigid contact lenses should never be worn overnight because they can increase your risk for eye infections, there’s a unique specialty lens that’s intentionally designed for overnight wear, Paragon CRT® lenses. Understanding the difference between these lenses and regular daytime contacts can help you make the healthiest choice for your eyes.

Why Sleeping in Regular Contact Lenses Is Risky

When you wear standard contact lenses to bed, you cut off vital oxygen that your cornea needs during sleep. Lack of oxygen can lead to dryness, irritation, and a significantly higher chance of serious eye infections like microbial keratitis. In fact, the American Academy of Ophthalmology strongly warns against wearing contacts overnight unless specifically prescribed for extended wear. Even lenses labeled as “extended wear” carry increased risks, especially in areas with seasonal dry air like Minneapolis and Richfield during winter months.

What Makes Paragon CRT® Lenses Unique?

Paragon CRT® lenses belong to a category called orthokeratology (or Ortho-K). These FDA-approved lenses are specifically designed to be worn overnight and removed in the morning. As you sleep, these custom-fitted lenses gently reshape the curvature of your cornea, which corrects your nearsightedness or mild astigmatism temporarily. When you wake up and remove the lenses, you can see clearly throughout the day no glasses or contact lenses required during waking hours.

How Paragon CRT® Lenses Work for Vision Correction

Orthokeratology with Paragon CRT® involves detailed digital mapping of your eyes so that your lenses are tailored to your exact needs. At Downtown Eyes, our optometrists provide this specialty service with advanced corneal topography and a thorough health evaluation. Key features of Paragon CRT® include:

• No daytime lens wear is ideal for those with active lifestyles or who play sports.

• Treatment is non-surgical and reversible, unlike LASIK.

• Lenses are removed each morning, so your eyes stay more comfortable and hydrated throughout the day, even during harsh Minneapolis winters.

Who Is a Candidate for Paragon CRT® Overnight Lenses?

Paragon CRT® lenses can be a wonderful choice for both children and adults with mild to moderate myopia (nearsightedness), with or without low levels of astigmatism. They are especially helpful for:

• Children and teens with progressive myopia, as orthokeratology can help slow the progression over time.

• Adults who are not ready for, or are not candidates for, laser eye surgery.

• Anyone with lifestyles or hobbies that make glasses and standard contact lenses inconvenient.

At Downtown Eyes, your optometrist will perform a detailed vision and corneal health evaluation to determine if you are a good candidate for this innovative option.

Why Choose Downtown Eyes for Your Paragon CRT® Fitting?

Choosing Paragon CRT® at Downtown Eyes means you’ll receive personalized care from optometrists who specialize in advanced contact lens fittings and orthokeratology services. We offer detailed education about lens care, safety tips, and ongoing support for families interested in new myopia management options, ensuring you receive the best outcomes for your vision.

Schedule a Consultation for Paragon CRT® in Minneapolis & Richfield, MN

If you’re wondering whether Paragon CRT® overnight lenses are right for you or your child, we invite you to schedule a comprehensive eye exam at Downtown Eyes. Serving the Minneapolis and Richfield, MN communities, we are dedicated to providing the latest advancements in vision correction, including Paragon CRT® lenses and comprehensive eye exams. Call us at 612-333-3937 to book your appointment or fill out our online form to get started.