Sleeping With Daily Contacts: Is It Safe?

Sleeping with contact lenses in is generally not recommended, as it can cause a range of eye problems, including infections, corneal ulcers, conjunctivitis, and corneal hypoxia. It can also lead to vision loss and, in severe cases, blindness. However, there are some specific types of contact lenses designed for extended wear, including overnight use, for up to a week or even up to 30 days continuously. These include certain soft contact lenses and rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses. Nevertheless, even with lenses approved for overnight use, there are still risks associated with sleeping in them, and it is always advisable to follow the recommendations of eye care professionals and your optometrist.

Comfort and Eye Health

Sleeping with your contacts in can be detrimental to your eye health and vision. It is not recommended, even if it's just for one night.

Lack of Oxygen to the Cornea

Contact lenses limit the cornea's exposure to oxygen, which can lead to discomfort, dryness, and potential corneal disorders. This can also cause corneal hypoxia, a condition where the cornea doesn't get enough oxygen.

Dryness and Discomfort

Disposable contacts should not be worn for an extended period. Ophthalmologists recommend a maximum of 10 to 12 hours of contact lens wear per day. Sleeping with daily contact lenses can result in dryness and severe discomfort, leading to eye strain, blurry vision, dry eye syndrome, and irritation.

Low Tear Exchange

When you sleep with contacts in, the natural tear flow over the eyes' surface is hindered. Tears wash away debris, bacteria, and other foreign contaminants liable to cause infection. A decrease in tear exchange increases bacteria and debris accumulation on the lenses, creating a higher risk of inflammation.

Bacterial and Microbial Growth

Contact lenses create a moist environment on the surface of the eye, making it ideal for bacteria and other microorganisms. This increases the chances of microbial growth and eye infections such as bacterial, viral, or fungal keratitis. Daily contact lenses left in overnight can also induce corneal ulcers, open sores on the cornea that require prompt treatment to prevent vision loss and other serious complications.

Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis (GPC)

GPC is an inflammation of the inner surface of the eyelid and the conjunctiva. It can be triggered by irritation from disposable contact lenses, especially when worn for long periods or overnight. Symptoms of GPC include itching, redness, and discomfort.

Other Risks

Other potential issues include contact lens acute red eye (CLARE), debris and dirt getting trapped under the lenses, and eye infections such as conjunctivitis (pink eye) and fungal eye infections. In severe cases, eye infections can lead to vision loss and even blindness.

What to Do if You Sleep with Contacts In

If you accidentally sleep with your contacts in, remove them as soon as you wake up. Apply eye drops to restore moisture and relieve dryness and irritation. Give your eyes a break and switch to glasses for the day to allow them to rest and recover.

Risk of Infection

Sleeping in your contact lenses can have serious consequences for your eye health. It is not recommended to leave daily contact lenses in overnight, as it can lead to a host of issues, including a heightened risk of eye infection.

Oxygen Deficiency

The cornea needs a sufficient supply of oxygen to function healthily. Contact lenses cover the cornea, limiting the amount of oxygen that reaches the surface of your eyes. This oxygen deficiency contributes to discomfort, dryness, and potential corneal disorders.

Dryness and Discomfort

Ophthalmologists recommend a maximum of 10-12 hours of contact lens wear per day. Sleeping with your contacts in extends the wear time, often resulting in dryness and severe discomfort, leading to eye strain, blurry vision, dry eye syndrome, and irritation.

Low Tear Exchange

Tears help wash away debris, bacteria, and other foreign contaminants liable to cause infection. When you sleep with contacts in, the natural tear flow is hindered, increasing bacteria and debris accumulation on the lenses, and creating a higher risk of inflammation.

Bacterial and Microbial Growth

Contact lenses create a moist environment on the surface of the eye, making it an ideal environment for bacteria and other microorganisms. Sleeping with daily contact lenses increases the chances of microbe growth, vastly increasing the risk of eye infections like bacterial, viral, or fungal keratitis.

Corneal Infections

Serious eye infections can lead to corneal damage, surgery, and, in rare cases, loss of vision. The risk of microbial keratitis, a form of corneal inflammation caused by infection, is over five times higher when you wear contact lenses overnight.

Acanthamoeba Keratitis

Acanthamoeba keratitis is an inflammation of the cornea caused by an amoeba infection. This type of infection is more likely to occur if you wear contact lenses, with 85% of cases affecting contact lens wearers. Poor contact lens hygiene, such as swimming or showering with your contacts in, increases the risk.

Fungal Keratitis

Fungal keratitis is caused by a fungal infection and can lead to vision loss or blindness if left untreated. Contact lens wear is a risk factor for this type of infection, and it is more common in tropical areas with mild temperatures.

Other Infections

Other potential infections include bacterial keratitis, which can be caused by different types of bacteria, and giant papillary conjunctivitis (GPC), an inflammation of the inner surface of the eyelid and the conjunctiva.

In summary, sleeping with daily contact lenses significantly increases the risk of eye infections and can have severe consequences for your eye health and vision. It is important to follow the recommendations of eye care professionals and only wear your contacts during the day, as prescribed.

Impact on Vision

Sleeping with one-day contact lenses can have a detrimental impact on your vision. Firstly, it is important to note that daily disposable contact lenses are intended for single-day use and are not designed for overnight wear. Reusing these lenses or wearing them during sleep increases the risk of eye infections and corneal damage, which can lead to permanent vision loss.

When you sleep with contact lenses in, the amount of oxygen and moisture reaching your eyes is significantly reduced. Contact lenses act as a barrier, blocking the natural flow of oxygen and tears, which are essential for maintaining eye health. This oxygen deficiency can lead to discomfort, dryness, and potential corneal disorders.

Bacterial and microbial growth is another concern. Contact lenses provide a moist and warm environment, ideal for bacteria and other microorganisms to thrive. This, combined with decreased tear exchange, increases the risk of eye infections such as bacterial, viral, or fungal keratitis.

Additionally, sleeping with daily contact lenses can lead to dryness and severe discomfort, resulting in eye strain, blurry vision, dry eye syndrome, and irritation. The longer you keep the lenses in, the more these issues can intensify, affecting your vision.

Sleeping with one-day contact lenses can also increase the risk of corneal ulcers, which are open sores on the cornea. If left untreated, corneal ulcers can lead to vision loss and other serious complications.

In summary, sleeping with one-day contact lenses can have a detrimental effect on your vision due to insufficient oxygen and moisture, increased bacterial growth, and the development of eye infections and corneal issues. It is crucial to follow the recommended guidelines and remove contact lenses before sleeping to maintain eye health and prevent vision-related problems.

Lens Damage

Sleeping in your contact lenses can cause a lot of damage to the lenses themselves, as well as to your eyes and vision.

Firstly, daily disposable lenses are thinner than other lenses, and as a result, cleaning solutions can break down or damage the material. This means that even if you do clean your lenses with a disinfecting solution, as recommended by experts, you could still be damaging the lenses.

Secondly, contact lenses that are slept in are more likely to tear. This is because daily contact lenses are typically thinner and more prone to tearing, as they are not designed for more than one use or to withstand frequent handling and cleaning.

Thirdly, if you sleep in your contact lenses, you may find that they become stuck to your eye the next morning. This is due to the extensive dryness that occurs when you sleep with the lenses in. The contacts may feel stiff, sticky, and hard to pinch. To remove them, you will need to add lubrication, such as rewetting drops or eye drops.

Finally, by sleeping in your contact lenses, you are creating the perfect environment for bacteria to grow. Contact lenses create a moist environment on the surface of the eye, which, when combined with the warmth and darkness of being under your eyelid while you sleep, becomes an ideal breeding ground for bacteria. This can lead to serious eye infections, which can cause permanent damage to your vision.

In conclusion, sleeping in your contact lenses can cause damage to the lenses themselves, as well as putting you at risk of eye infections and permanent vision damage. It is therefore important to practice good contact lens hygiene and always remove your lenses before sleeping.

Alternatives for Extended Wear

Alternatives to extended-wear contact lenses are important to consider, as they are not suitable for everyone. Here are some alternatives to continuous wear contact lenses:

Daily Wear Contacts

Daily wear contacts are ideal for those with active lifestyles who cannot tolerate overnight wear. This type of contact lens has a lower risk of developing eye conditions. However, they need to be replaced more frequently.

Monthly Contact Lenses

Monthly contact lenses are designed for those who prefer to take out their contacts every night. These lenses are typically made from silicone hydrogen materials, which allow more oxygen to reach the eyes.

Glasses

Glasses are a great alternative, as they are worn daily and provide excellent vision with minimal risk of developing eye problems. Glasses bend and manipulate light as it enters your eye, correcting refractive errors such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism.

Laser Eye Surgery

Laser eye surgery is an option for those who cannot tolerate contact lenses. This procedure reshapes the surface of the cornea using laser technology, improving vision and reducing dependence on eyeglasses or contact lenses.

It is important to consult with an eye doctor to determine the best option for your specific needs and eye health.

Frequently asked questions