Harden Elkington
Sleeping with your contact lenses in can be a tempting habit, especially if you have a busy lifestyle.
However, it is important to know that sleeping with contacts comes with certain risks and potential consequences.
In this article, we will explore the effects of sleeping with contact lenses on your eyes and health, as well as what to do if you experience any of these problems.
We will also provide some tips on how to best care for your contacts, so you can keep your eyes healthy and avoid potential issues when wearing contacts.
Read on to learn more about the risks associated with sleeping with contact lenses.
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What happens when you sleep with contacts?
When you sleep with contact lenses on, there are several potential risks.
Effects on eye health
When you sleep with contact lenses on, there are several potential effects on your eye health.
Corneal edema
Corneal edema is a condition in which the cornea becomes swollen due to an accumulation of fluid.
This can happen when contact lenses are left on for too long, such as when sleeping with them in.
Symptoms of corneal edema include blurry vision, sensitivity to light, and pain or discomfort when using your contacts.
In more severe cases, corneal edema can result in decreased vision or even blindness.
Dry eye
A dry eye is a condition in which the eyes do not produce enough tears to keep them lubricated and comfortable.
When contact lenses are left on for too long, there is an increased risk of dry eye due to a reduced amount of oxygen reaching the cornea.
Symptoms of dry eye include redness, itching, burning, and blurred vision. A dry eye can also cause discomfort and make it difficult to keep contact lenses in place.
Infection
One of the most serious risks associated with sleeping with contact lenses is an eye infection.
Sleeping with contacts creates a perfect environment for bacteria to grow, leading to an increased risk of infections such as conjunctivitis and keratitis.
Symptoms of an eye infection may include redness, pain, watery eyes, discharge, and blurred vision.
Other potential issues
In addition to the risks described above, sleeping with contact lenses can also lead to other potential problems. These include reduced:
- Visual acuity, comfort, and clarity
- Increased eye fatigue
- Discomfort when waking up with lenses in
- Increased risk of developing astigmatism.
It is important to note that these issues can be avoided by properly caring for your contacts and removing them before going to sleep.
How to avoid sleeping with contacts?
If you are prone to sleeping with contacts, there are several steps you can take to avoid doing so.
Replace your contact lenses regularly
It is important to replace your contact lenses according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Wearing contacts past their recommended wear time can increase the risk of infection and other issues.
It is also advisable to thoroughly clean and disinfect your contacts each day, as this helps reduce the risk of ocular infections.
Use daily disposable contacts
It is also a good idea to use daily disposable contacts.
These lenses are designed to be worn for one day and then thrown away, so they do not need to be reused or stored overnight.
This can reduce the risk of infection, as well as keep your eyes more comfortable while you sleep.
Be mindful of your contact lens case
It is also important to be mindful of how you store and care for your contact lens case.
Contact lens cases should be cleaned regularly and replaced every three months, as they can become a breeding ground for bacteria if not properly cared for.
Additionally, you should always use a fresh contact lens solution and never top off an existing solution.
Tips for proper contact lens care
Finally, it is important to practice proper contact lens care. This includes:
• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using contact lenses.
• Remove your contacts before going to sleep and store them in a clean contact lens case.
• Replace your contact lenses according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Clean and disinfect your contacts each day and replace the contact lens case every three months.
• Use daily disposable contacts to avoid having to store or reuse them overnight.
• Always use a fresh contact lens solution and never top off an existing one.
• If you experience any discomfort when wearing your contacts, take them out immediately and seek medical advice.
By taking these steps and following proper contact lens care guidelines, you can better protect yourself from the risks associated with sleeping in contact lenses.
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Final words
Sleeping with contact lenses can increase the risk of serious eye infections and other potential issues.
To ensure the safety of your eyes and reduce the chance of infection, it is important to properly care for your contacts and remove them before sleeping.
Additionally, you should replace your contact lenses according to the manufacturer’s instructions, use daily disposable contacts when possible, and clean and disinfect your contacts each day.
Following these tips can help you enjoy the full benefits of contact lenses while avoiding any potential risks.
