Sleeping in contact lenses can endanger your eye health. Recognize the risks and symptoms associated with this practice. Consult with our qualified eye doctors for safer alternatives.
Wearing contact lenses while sleeping may seem harmless if you do it once in a while, but even an occasional lapse can lead to unwanted eye complications. In this discussion, we’ll explore how sleeping in contact lenses increases risks and brings on specific symptoms that could signal serious complications. Our eye doctors are here to help you understand these potential risks and advise you on how to best protect your vision.
When you sleep with your contact lenses in, your eyes are deprived of vital oxygen that they need to remain healthy. Normally, your eyelids help reduce oxygen flow during sleep, and adding a layer of contact lenses makes this reduction even more significant. This combination creates a perfect setup for complications, so it’s important to avoid sleeping in your lenses unless our eye doctors explicitly advise you to do so.
The cornea, the clear outer layer at the front of your eye, relies on oxygen from the air to stay clear and functional. Even in normal sleep without lenses, the cornea experiences a slight swelling of about 4%, which is usually harmless because there is some oxygen available. However, when a contact lens covers the cornea during sleep, oxygen transmission is drastically reduced, leading to further swelling and potential damage. This oxygen deficiency can result in inflammation and other complications that may impair your vision if not addressed.
When your eyes are closed behind eyelids for hours, they naturally become moist and warm. While these conditions help your eyes rest, in combination with a contact lens, they may also turn your eyes into a breeding ground for bacteria. This moist environment is ideal for bacterial growth, and sleeping in your lenses can greatly increase the likelihood of developing a serious infection. Such infections can spread quickly and may require prompt treatment from our eye doctors.
Recognizing the early warning signs of problems caused by sleeping in contact lenses is key to preventing more serious complications. Symptoms can be mild at first, but if ignored, they may escalate into severe eye issues that require immediate attention.
There are several symptoms you should watch out for if you accidentally fell asleep in your contacts. Here’s what to look for:
Even if these symptoms seem minor at first, they are your body’s way of signaling that something isn’t right. Do not ignore these signs. Instead, seek advice from our eye doctors if you experience any of these symptoms, especially if they persist or worsen.
While symptoms like redness and dryness may seem manageable, several serious complications can develop from sleeping in contact lenses. One of the most concerning outcomes is an infection of the cornea. Research shows that the likelihood of developing infectious keratitis, a potentially severe corneal infection, is four to five times higher in people who sleep in their contact lenses compared to those who remove them before bed. One particularly dangerous type of infection involves the bacterium Pseudomonas, which can cause rapid and extensive damage to the cornea in as little as 24 hours.
In addition to infections, prolonged oxygen deprivation can lead to a condition called keratitis, where the cornea becomes swollen (edema) and inflamed. This inflammation not only affects your vision by causing blurred sight but also creates a weakening of the eye’s natural defenses. The combination of these factors can result in permanent vision problems if not promptly treated.
Your cornea is particularly vulnerable because it doesn’t have its own blood supply and depends on the diffusion of oxygen and nutrients from the air. Wearing a contact lens for extended periods, especially during sleep, limits oxygen availability significantly. The resulting lack of oxygen forces the cornea to undergo stress, leading to swelling and inflammation. Over time, this compromised state can lead to chronic issues, impacting overall eye health and quality of vision.
A swollen cornea due to reduced oxygen levels can lead to blurry or distorted vision. This isn’t just temporary discomfort—the long-term effects can include increased susceptibility to other eye irritations and infections. Here’s why the corneal swelling matters:
This is why our eye doctors always stress the importance of giving your eyes a break from contact lenses, particularly during sleep.
While sleeping in contact lenses is generally discouraged, there are specific medical circumstances in which overnight wear may be approved by our eye doctors. It’s important to understand that these are special cases, not the norm, and should be followed exactly as prescribed.
Some patients may require extended wear contact lenses for a limited period. In these situations, our eye doctors might recommend the use of these lenses to help with healing or to provide a temporary solution while the eye recovers after an injury or surgery. For instance, after procedures like PRK or LASIK, patients might experience considerable dryness and irritation that make conventional contact lenses impractical. In such instances, extended wear lenses can offer comfort and allow the cornea to heal in a moist, less abrasive environment.
Another example includes the use of bandage contact lenses. These are specially designed to protect the eye when it has suffered from a corneal abrasion or scratch. The bandage lens functions as a protective barrier, minimizing the irritation that can occur from blinking and external contact, while also reducing the risk of infection during the healing process.
There are a few contact lenses that have been specifically designed and approved by the FDA for overnight wear, often referred to as extended wear contact lenses. These lenses are made from materials that allow more oxygen to reach your cornea, reducing – though not eliminating – the risks associated with overnight wear. It is imperative to follow the instructions regarding wear time provided by our eye doctors to minimize any further complications. Some examples of FDA-approved extended wear lenses include:
It’s crucial to note that these lenses should only be used for overnight wear under the careful guidance of our eye doctors. Even with these products, adhering to cleaning, disinfecting, and replacement routines as instructed is essential to prevent complications.
When you decide to sleep in your contact lenses repeatedly or for extended periods, you are not only risking immediate discomfort but may also set the stage for long-term eye health issues. These complications can significantly affect your overall quality of vision and may even lead to chronic conditions that require ongoing management.
One of the gravest risks associated with sleeping in contact lenses is the heightened chance of developing an eye infection, specifically infectious keratitis. This condition, which involves an infection of the cornea, can escalate quickly, sometimes within just 24 hours. Such infections are notoriously difficult to treat, particularly if they are caused by aggressive bacteria like Pseudomonas. The longer an infection persists, the higher the risk of permanent scarring or even vision loss.
The development of a corneal ulcer is another potential complication. A corneal ulcer is essentially an open sore on the cornea that may form as a result of a severe infection or trauma from a contact lens that has been left in overnight. Such ulcers are an emergency because the damage to the corneal tissue can be irreversible if not treated immediately.
Continual exposure of your cornea to a low-oxygen environment from sleeping in contact lenses can lead to persistent inflammation. Over time, chronic inflammation may cause the eye tissues to degrade, resulting in long-lasting sensitivity, increased risk of secondary infections, and even the development of conditions that require long-term treatment. Inflammatory complications also mean that your symptoms, such as blurred vision and discomfort, might become recurring issues that interfere with your daily life.
Don't risk your eye health by sleeping in your contact lenses! Schedule a consultation with one of our trusted eye doctors today. They’ll provide personalized guidance for your contact lens use that prioritizes your vision and health.
Blurred or reduced vision may start as a temporary inconvenience, but if the underlying problems are not rectified, the complications can lead to permanent visual impairments. The cornea’s role in focusing light means that any disruption in its clarity can have serious consequences. Persistent dryness, swelling, or scarring from infections disrupts this delicate balance, potentially resulting in irreversible damage.
It’s important to listen to your body and seek professional help early if you experience any of the symptoms associated with sleeping in contact lenses. Even if you believe your eyes are just a bit dry or slightly red, caution is warranted. Early intervention can make a significant difference and prevent complications from progressing to a more severe stage.
If you start noticing any of the following signs, do not hesitate to reach out to our eye doctors:
When you experience any of these symptoms, it’s imperative to remove your contact lenses and consult with our eye doctors immediately for an accurate diagnosis and treatment. Early treatment not only resolves the immediate issue but also reduces the risk of long-term complications.
Understanding the importance of proper contact lens hygiene and usage is vital to safeguarding your eye health. While the risks of sleeping in contact lenses are significant, there are several steps you can take to ensure that you maintain optimal eye health while using contact lenses during the day.
Here are some best practices that our eye doctors recommend for contact lens care:
By following these guidelines, you not only help preserve your vision but also reduce the likelihood of developing infections or other eye-related complications linked to improper contact lens use.
Your eye health is something you shouldn’t take for granted, and our eye doctors are committed to providing you with the best guidance possible. We understand that it can be tempting to skip proper contact lens care or overlook the risks of sleeping in contact lenses—especially if you’ve done it without issue before. However, even occasional lapses can build up over time and cause more serious complications in the long run.
Recent advances in contact lens technology have led to the development of materials that allow more oxygen to pass through to the cornea. These improvements have reduced—but not completely removed—the risks linked with overnight wear. Even if your lenses are approved for extended wear, it’s still important to follow the guidelines provided by our eye doctors carefully. No lens is completely risk-free when it comes to long-term exposure during sleep, so thoughtful care and attention remain paramount.
Sleeping in contact lenses poses risks from irritation to sight-threatening infections. Protect your vision by following proper contact lens care guidelines and seeking prompt advice from our eye doctors if any symptoms arise.
Don't risk your eye health by sleeping in your contact lenses! Schedule a consultation with one of our trusted eye doctors today. They’ll provide personalized guidance for your contact lens use that prioritizes your vision and health.
Understand the risks of sleeping in contact lenses and learn about symptoms that indicate complications. Consult eye doctors today for healthy vision.
