I use monthly Focus soft contact lenses. I've been sleeping in them for a year or so, a bad habit that developed, but I've never had any problems. The only problems I've ever had is dryness when I wake up, which can be fixed with a few drops of contact solution. Every time I've gone to the eye doctor he's said there's no problems, although I never have told him I sleep in my contacts. I read up on horror stories about sleeping in contacts, and although I've never had any pain or similar effects, I decided to sleep with them out. Also, I ordered a pair of Focus Night & Day contacts.

However, when I decided to take them out, my eye feels more comfortable with the contacts in than them out. When I don't have my contacts in, my eyes are uncomfortable, it almost feels like it's my eyelid rubbing against my eye that's causing the discomfort. It is discomfortable when I blink or close my eyes, and it hurts if I touch my corneas. As a result, it's been very difficult for me to sleep with them out. What can I do? Have I done long-term damage to my eyes? I don't notice any problems when I look at my eyes in the mirror.

I would say stop sleeping in them. I have dosed off with mine in and my eyes got really dry and I had a really, really hard time getting them out- and when I did get them out I was in a lot of pain due to the dryness of the situation. Stop sleeping with them in and wear them for no more than 8-9 hours a day (which is what I have been told is the proper usage of contacts).

Hi Nick2
Even before trying new lenses, you should get your eyes examined. Wearing the contacts as you did can cause all sorts of problems. If your eyes hurt or are uncomfortable for any reason, it's a signal something isn't right.
You've read the horror stories, so you know the dangers. It isn't worth risking your sight. See your doctor and tell him you've slept in them. Get the OK to wear the contacts again. Make sure the eyes are healthy and in good shape. It's easier to prevent problems than to fix them later.