Ashwin Lewis
Sleeping with contact lenses in your eyes can increase the risk of eye problems, including severe eye infections, redness, irritation, and permanent damage to the cornea. Contacts that are left in overnight can also cause dryness and eye irritation. While some contact lenses are approved for overnight wear, it is always recommended to take them out before sleeping to reduce the risk of eye infections and other complications. If you accidentally fall asleep with your contacts in, remove them as soon as you wake up and switch to glasses for the day to give your eyes time to recover.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Risk of eye infection | 6-8 times more likely; up to 800% more likely; serious eye infections can lead to blindness |
| Oxygen deprivation | Contacts cut off oxygen to the eyes; hypoxia can occur |
| Dryness and irritation | Sleeping with contacts can dry out the eyes, causing irritation |
| Permanent damage | Possible permanent damage to the cornea |
| Alternatives | Ortho-k lenses can be worn overnight to prevent worsening myopia |
| Accidental sleep | If you accidentally fall asleep with contacts in, remove them as soon as possible and monitor your eyes for infection |
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What You'll Learn
The risk of eye infections
Contact lenses are a popular choice for vision correction and are very safe if used properly. However, sleeping in contact lenses can increase the risk of eye infections and lead to other eye conditions. This is because contacts significantly cut the amount of oxygen and moisture the eyes can access. Without enough oxygen, a state called hypoxia, the corneal cells can get damaged, leading to various symptoms and complications.
Fungal keratitis is another type of infection that can occur, especially in regions with mild and tropical weather. This infection can cause blindness if left untreated. Even with appropriate lens care, protein and lipid buildup on the lenses can cause discomfort and inflammation, increasing the risk of infection. Therefore, it is recommended to remove contact lenses before sleeping and to give the eyes a break by wearing glasses instead.
Sleeping with contact lenses can also lead to other eye problems, such as dryness, redness, irritation, and pain. In severe cases, eye infections can result in permanent damage to the cornea and even vision loss. It is important to monitor the eyes for any signs of infection and to seek medical advice if any symptoms occur. While there are lenses marketed as safe for overnight wear, it is still beneficial to remove them before sleeping to maintain eye health.
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Oxygen deprivation
Contact lenses are a popular and effective way to correct your vision, but they should be used properly to maintain eye health. Sleeping with contact lenses in can be harmful, as it increases the risk of eye problems and severe eye infections, such as keratitis, which can lead to permanent vision loss.
When you sleep with contact lenses in, you reduce the amount of oxygen and moisture your eyes receive. The cornea of your eye relies on oxygen from the atmosphere, which dissolves in the tear film that coats your eye. Contact lenses act as an extra barrier, reducing the oxygen supply, leading to a state called hypoxia. This oxygen deprivation can cause damage to corneal cells, resulting in various symptoms and complications.
During sleep, your eyes are closed, which already lowers the oxygen available to the cornea. Contact lenses further limit oxygen transmission, exacerbating the issue. This reduced oxygen environment makes it easier for germs, bacteria, and microorganisms to gain a foothold on the surface of your eye. The trapped bacteria can then lead to infections such as bacterial keratitis, which can be caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Risk of Infection
Sleeping with contact lenses significantly increases the risk of eye infections. Studies show that doing so can make you 6-8 times more likely to develop an infection, with one in 500 contact lens users experiencing a serious eye infection annually. Infections can lead to permanent corneal scarring and even vision loss if left untreated.
Other Complications
In addition to infections, oxygen deprivation from contact lenses during sleep can cause eye dryness, irritation, redness, and discomfort. Overwearing contact lenses can also lead to contact lens intolerance, with some users experiencing changes in their eyes that make it impossible to continue wearing contacts.
Recommendations
To maintain eye health, it is recommended to remove contact lenses before sleeping and switch to glasses. If you accidentally fall asleep with your contacts in, remove them as soon as you wake up and take a break from wearing contacts for at least a day. Monitor your eyes for any signs of infection, such as redness, watering, or discharge, and consult an eye doctor if you experience any symptoms or changes in your eyesight.
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Types of contact lenses
Contact lenses are a popular choice for vision correction, but they should be used properly to avoid infections and other eye conditions. It is generally not recommended to sleep with contact lenses in, even if they are specifically designed for overnight wear. This is because the eyes need access to oxygen and moisture, which is significantly reduced when wearing contacts.
Now, here is an overview of the types of contact lenses available:
Soft Contact Lenses
Soft contact lenses are the most popular type, with about 86% of Americans who wear contacts opting for this variety. They are made of thin, flexible plastics that mould easily to the shape of the eye. They are comfortable, quick to adjust to, and effective at retaining moisture and letting oxygen through to the eye. However, they are fragile and prone to absorbing pollutants, which can irritate the eyes. Soft contact lenses are available in daily, weekly, and monthly disposables.
Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Contact Lenses
Also known as ""hard" contact lenses, RGP lenses are more durable and resistant to deposit buildup than soft lenses, offering clearer and crisper vision correction. They are also easier to handle and less likely to tear. However, they are less comfortable than soft lenses and can take a few weeks to get used to. RGP lenses are long-term use lenses and are replaced only when an eye care professional determines it is necessary.
Hybrid Contact Lenses
Hybrid lenses combine the benefits of soft and RGP lenses, with a rigid centre zone and a soft "skirt" of material surrounding it. They provide clearer vision and comfort, but they require a very precise fit and tend to be more expensive.
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) Lenses
Ortho-K is a lens-fitting procedure that uses specially designed RGP lenses to change the curvature of the cornea and improve the eye's ability to focus on objects. This type of lens is primarily used for correcting myopia (nearsightedness). Ortho-K lenses are usually worn while sleeping and removed upon awakening, with some prescribed for daytime wear only.
Decorative (Plano) Lenses
These lenses are worn for aesthetic purposes and do not correct vision.
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Alternatives to wearing contacts to bed
It is highly recommended that you do not wear contact lenses to bed. Even one night of sleeping with contacts in can cause irritated eyes and other symptoms. If you accidentally sleep with your contacts in, remove them as soon as you wake up. You can use eye drops to restore moisture to your eyes and reduce irritation.
- Prescription glasses: It is advisable to have a pair of prescription glasses that you can use as an alternative to contact lenses, especially when your eyes need a break or when you want to sleep.
- Daily disposable contact lenses: If you prefer not to wear glasses, consider switching to daily disposable contact lenses. These are considered more hygienic as you discard them at the end of each day and use a fresh pair the next morning. This reduces the risk of infection and other eye complications associated with extended-wear contact lenses.
- Extended-wear contact lenses: While it is not advisable to sleep with any type of contact lenses, extended-wear contact lenses are designed for overnight use. Even with these lenses, it is still safer to remove them before sleeping to reduce the risk of eye irritation and infection.
- LASIK surgery: If you are considering a more permanent solution, LASIK surgery for vision correction may be an option. However, it is important to note that this procedure also carries its own risks and potential complications. Consult with a qualified eye specialist to understand the benefits and risks of this alternative.
Remember, it is always best to consult with an eye care professional, such as an optometrist or ophthalmologist, to determine the best alternatives for your specific needs and to ensure the health and safety of your eyes.
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What to do if you accidentally sleep in contacts
It is not recommended to sleep with contact lenses in, even if they are extended-wear lenses. This is because contacts reduce the amount of oxygen and moisture your eyes can access, which can lead to eye infections, corneal damage, and even permanent vision loss. If you accidentally sleep in your contacts, the best course of action is to:
- Remain calm and do not panic. It is common for contact lens wearers to unintentionally fall asleep with their lenses in.
- Examine your lenses in the mirror to ensure they are moving normally with each blink. If they appear stuck, do not attempt to remove them.
- Instil some wetting drops or contact lens solution to help lubricate your eyes and lenses. Blink until the contacts feel normal again.
- Once the lenses are no longer stuck, remove them as soon as possible.
- Give your eyes a break from contact lenses for at least one full day. Wear your glasses instead and use eye drops to keep your eyes lubricated and restore moisture.
- If you experience any dryness, redness, irritation, sensitivity to light, tearing, blurred vision, or other concerning symptoms that last more than a day, contact your eye care professional for advice.
It is important to practice good contact lens hygiene and always follow the recommendations of your eye care specialist to maintain eye health and prevent infections.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you should not sleep with contact lenses in. It is always best to take your contacts out before bed.
Sleeping with contact lenses in can cut off the oxygen your eyes need, increasing the risk of eye infections, redness, and permanent damage to your cornea.
If you accidentally sleep with contact lenses in, take them out as soon as you wake up and give your eyes a break from contacts for at least a day. If you experience any irritation or eye pain, contact your optometrist or eye doctor.
Sleeping with contact lenses in increases your risk of eye infections, such as keratitis, which can lead to vision loss or blindness. It can also cause dryness, redness, and irritation.
While there are extended-wear contact lenses approved by the FDA for overnight wear, most eye care practitioners recommend daily disposables over extended-wear. It is always safer to take your contact lenses out when sleeping.
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