Sleeping With Contacts: A Dangerous Habit To Avoid

Sleeping in your contact lenses is a big no-no. It can lead to eye infections, damage, and discomfort. Even a short nap with lenses in can be harmful. When you sleep, your cornea doesn't get enough oxygen or hydration, which makes it harder for your eye to fight off bacteria. This can lead to infections such as microbial keratitis, which can cause permanent corneal damage and even vision loss. Other risks include corneal ulcers, conjunctivitis, and corneal hypoxia. So, if you're feeling sleepy, the best thing to do is take out your contacts before you hit the hay.

Eye infections are more likely due to a lack of oxygen to the eye

Contact lenses are a convenient way to correct your vision, but they can also be a health risk if not used properly. Sleeping in your contact lenses is one of the most common "risk behaviours" associated with contact lens wear. It is estimated that one-third of contact lens wearers have slept in their lenses at least once or twice. However, doing so can have serious consequences for your eye health and significantly increase your risk of eye infections.

When you sleep with contact lenses in, your corneas receive less tear fluid because you are not blinking. Tear fluid helps to protect the eyes from bacteria and microorganisms, so a reduction in tear fluid makes it harder for your cornea to defend itself against infection.

Additionally, sleeping in contact lenses can damage the surface of your cornea and impair its ability to regenerate fresh cells, further increasing the risk of infection.

Corneal Hypoxia

Contact lenses sit on top of your cornea, cutting off its oxygen supply. The cornea relies primarily on exposure to air to receive oxygen, as it does not have enough blood vessels to meet its oxygen needs. When you sleep with contact lenses in, you are reducing the already limited oxygen supply to your cornea.

Symptoms of Corneal Hypoxia

• Blurred or hazy vision
• Burning pain in the eyes
• Scratchiness or irritation of the eyes
• Excessive tearing
• Swelling in the epithelial layer of the cornea

Complications of Corneal Hypoxia

If left untreated, corneal hypoxia can lead to serious complications, including:

• Development of corneal cysts
• Death of epithelial cells
• Permanent corneal damage
• Vision loss
• Blindness

Preventing Eye Infections

To reduce the risk of eye infections, it is important to practice proper contact lens hygiene and always remove your contact lenses before sleeping. Here are some tips to prevent eye infections:

• Clean and disinfect your lenses according to the instructions provided.
• Always use fresh contact lens solution and discard leftover solution.
• Do not expose your lenses to water, saliva, or any other liquid besides contact lens solution.
• Replace your contact lens storage case regularly.
• Wash your hands before handling your contact lenses.
• Avoid napping or sleeping with your contact lenses in, even for short periods.

Bacterial keratitis can occur, leading to permanent vision loss

Bacterial keratitis is an infection of the cornea, the clear dome covering the coloured part of the eye. It is a serious eye infection that can lead to permanent vision loss or even blindness if left untreated.

Bacterial keratitis can occur when contact lenses are left in overnight. This is because the tear film that covers the surface of the eye and protects it from bacteria and debris is inhibited by contact lenses. When a person is asleep, their eyes are closed and not blinking, so the tear film is unable to perform its protective function. Germs are not washed away and are instead given time to spread and infect the eye.

Contact lenses can also transfer germs to the eyes from other sources, such as the hands or the lens case. If contact lenses are not cleaned and stored properly, the risk of infection is increased.

The risk of developing bacterial keratitis is not limited to those who wear contact lenses. However, contact lens wearers are at a higher risk, especially if they sleep with their lenses in.

Symptoms of bacterial keratitis include irritation or itchiness in or around the eyes, watery eyes or notable discharge, eye pain, and sensitivity to light. If you experience any of these symptoms, remove your contact lenses and contact your eye doctor immediately.

Acanthamoeba keratitis is a risk, caused by amoebas found in water sources

Acanthamoeba keratitis is a rare eye infection caused by a microscopic organism called Acanthamoeba, which is similar to bacteria but more complex. It can be found in natural bodies of water, tap water, heating and air conditioning systems, and hot tubs.

Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is a serious condition that affects the cornea, the clear, dome-shaped front covering of the eye. It can cause severe pain, blurred vision, and even permanent vision loss if left untreated. The risk of developing AK is higher for contact lens wearers, with 85%-90% of cases occurring in this group.

Poor contact lens hygiene increases the risk of developing AK. This includes swimming, showering, or using a hot tub while wearing contact lenses. Additionally, improper storage and cleaning of contact lenses and their cases can contribute to the risk. For example, using tap water to clean or store lenses can expose them to Acanthamoeba.

To reduce the risk of AK, it is crucial to follow proper contact lens care instructions. This includes washing hands before handling lenses, removing lenses before water-based activities, cleaning and rinsing lenses thoroughly, and storing them properly in contact lens solution.

In summary, Acanthamoeba keratitis is a rare but serious eye infection caused by amoebas found in various water sources. Contact lens wearers are at a particularly high risk, and maintaining good contact lens hygiene is essential to lower the chances of developing this infection.

Fungal keratitis can lead to blindness if left untreated

Contact lenses are medical devices that should be used according to your eye doctor's directions. Sleeping in contact lenses is not recommended as it can put your eye health and vision at risk. Doing so increases your risk of eye infections, such as microbial keratitis, which is an infection of the cornea. The risk of infection is over five times higher when lenses are worn overnight, and this risk occurs regardless of the type of lens.

Fungal keratitis is a rare form of corneal inflammation caused by a fungal infection. It is most common in tropical and subtropical regions but can occur in areas with milder temperatures as well. It is caused by various fungi, including Fusarium, Aspergillus, and Candida species, which can be found in the environment or normally live on human skin and mucous membranes.

Fungal keratitis can lead to serious eye complications and even result in blindness if left untreated. The infection causes the cornea to swell and can result in vision loss. Symptoms of fungal keratitis include sensitivity to light, eye discharge, and eye irritation. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to remove your contact lenses and contact your eye doctor immediately.

Fungal keratitis is treated with prescription antifungal medication for several months. In more severe cases, surgery, including a corneal transplant, may be required. To prevent fungal keratitis, it is important to practice good contact lens hygiene and avoid wearing lenses when swimming or showering.

Corneal hypoxia can occur when the cornea doesn't get enough oxygen

Contact lenses are a popular choice for many people who need help with their vision, and they are generally safe. However, it is important to be aware of the dangers of corneal hypoxia, which can occur when the cornea does not receive enough oxygen.

The cornea relies on oxygen from the air to stay healthy. When you wear standard contact lenses, you are cutting off the oxygen supply to the cornea, which can lead to corneal hypoxia if worn for too long. While a mild form of corneal hypoxia can occur naturally during sleep, contact lenses can make this worse, and prolonged wear can cause the cornea to start to swell. This is because, without enough oxygen, the cornea starts to produce lactic acid, which draws water to the cornea, causing edema.

The initial symptoms of corneal hypoxia may seem minor, including a burning pain in the eyes, scratchiness, or general irritation. However, if left untreated, corneal hypoxia can lead to more serious problems, such as the development of corneal cysts and the death of epithelial cells, which can affect your vision. In severe cases, corneal hypoxia can even lead to blindness.

If you notice any signs or symptoms of corneal hypoxia, it is important to see an eye doctor right away. To prevent corneal hypoxia, avoid wearing standard contact lenses for extended periods or overnight. If you start to experience symptoms, remove your lenses to allow your eyes to recover. You may also want to consider switching to gas-permeable contact lenses, which allow more oxygen to reach the cornea.

In addition to the risk of corneal hypoxia, sleeping with contact lenses can also increase your risk of eye infections, such as microbial keratitis, which can cause permanent corneal damage and vision loss. This is because contact lenses can inhibit the tear film from protecting the eye from bacteria and debris. Sleeping with contacts also increases the risk of other eye conditions such as conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, and corneal trauma. Therefore, it is always best to remove your contact lenses before sleeping and follow your eye doctor's directions for proper contact lens care and usage.

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