Herbie Murray
Sleeping with contact lenses in your eyes can lead to a number of issues. 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 a barrier to oxygen when worn overnight, which can cause corneal cells to become damaged. This can lead to infections such as microbial keratitis, which can result in vision loss and permanent scarring of the eye. Other consequences of sleeping with contact lenses include dry, sore, or red eyes, as well as an increased risk of eye infections, with studies showing that wearing contacts overnight increases the risk by more than five times.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Risk of eye infection | 6-8 times higher |
| Oxygen deprivation | Yes |
| Dry eyes | Yes |
| Redness and irritation | Yes |
| Permanent corneal damage | Yes |
| Vision loss | Yes |
| Conjunctivitis | Yes |
| Corneal ulcers | Yes |
| Corneal hypoxia | Yes |
| Acanthamoeba keratitis | Yes |
| Fungal keratitis | Yes |
| Bacterial keratitis | Yes |
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What You'll Learn
Increased risk of eye infection
Sleeping with contact lenses can have adverse effects on your eyes, and it is generally advised against. One of the most significant risks is the increased likelihood of developing an eye infection, particularly microbial keratitis.
Microbial keratitis is an infection and inflammation of the cornea, the protective dome-shaped surface of the eye. This condition can be caused by bacteria, fungi, viruses, or parasites. When you sleep with contact lenses in, the lenses trap microorganisms against the cornea, providing an ideal breeding ground for them to multiply. This can lead to a full-blown infection.
The risk of developing microbial keratitis is substantially increased when sleeping with contact lenses. Studies have shown that the risk is more than five times higher, and the CDC reports that it can be as high as six to eight times higher. This heightened risk exists regardless of the type of contact lens worn, be it soft, hard, decorative, or prescription.
In addition to microbial keratitis, sleeping with contact lenses can also increase the risk of other eye infections and conditions. These include corneal ulcers, conjunctivitis (pink eye), corneal hypoxia (reduced oxygen to the cornea), and corneal abrasions. These infections and conditions can have serious consequences, including pain, light sensitivity, discharge, blurred vision, and even permanent vision loss if left untreated.
To reduce the risk of eye infections, it is crucial to practice proper contact lens hygiene and care. This includes removing contact lenses before sleeping, following recommended wear times, proper cleaning procedures, and regular replacement of lenses. It is also important to consult an eye care professional if any signs of infection or eye irritation occur.
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Irritation and inflammation
Sleeping with contact lenses can cause eye irritation and inflammation. The eyelids move during sleep, putting pressure on the eyes and causing the lenses to shift out of place. This displacement can lead to scratches on the cornea and other injuries. Contact lenses can also absorb moisture from the eyes, leading to dryness, discomfort, and potential damage to the corneal surface.
The eyes are naturally prone to irritation and inflammation when contact lenses are worn during sleep. The lenses can trap microorganisms against the cornea, providing an ideal environment for them to multiply, leading to infections such as microbial keratitis, which is an inflammation and infection of the cornea. This condition can cause vision loss and permanent scarring. Studies show that wearing contact lenses overnight increases the risk of microbial keratitis by more than five times, and the overall risk of infection by six to eight times.
In addition to microbial keratitis, sleeping with contact lenses can also increase the risk of other eye infections and conditions. These include corneal ulcers, conjunctivitis (pink eye), and corneal hypoxia (reduced oxygen to the cornea). These conditions can cause pain, light sensitivity, discharge, blurred vision, and even permanent vision loss if not treated promptly and appropriately.
The risk of eye irritation and inflammation is present regardless of the type of contact lens worn. Soft contact lenses, for example, are designed to allow more oxygen to reach the cornea. However, even with these lenses, the risk of infection while sleeping is still five times higher than when the lenses are removed.
To prevent eye irritation and inflammation, it is crucial to remove contact lenses before sleeping. If lenses are accidentally left in while sleeping, it is important to remove them as soon as possible upon waking, using eye drops if necessary. Allowing the eyes to breathe and rehydrate is essential to alleviate irritation and reduce the risk of infection.
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Dry, sore, red eyes
Dry, sore, and red eyes are common consequences of sleeping in your contact lenses. This is caused by a combination of factors, including reduced tear production during sleep, inhibition of tear exchange, and absorption of moisture from the eyes by the contact lenses. The tear film is essential for protecting the eyes from germs, but when you sleep with contact lenses, the tear film cannot effectively wash away germs, increasing the risk of infection.
Contact lenses can also shift out of place while you sleep, trapping debris underneath them and causing further irritation. This can lead to scratches on the cornea and other injuries. Additionally, the pressure of the contact lenses on the surface of the eye can affect the eye's physical structure, changing the shape of the eye over time.
The discomfort and irritation associated with dry, sore, and red eyes can be alleviated by removing the contact lenses as soon as possible upon waking up and using lubricating eye drops to soothe dryness and irritation. It is also important to give your eyes a break and let them rehydrate and breathe by avoiding contact lenses for at least 24 hours after sleeping in them.
If you experience persistent eye pain, redness, or irritation after sleeping in your contact lenses, it is recommended to consult an eye care professional immediately. It is crucial to prioritize eye health and take precautionary measures to avoid sleeping in contact lenses, as it can lead to more severe consequences, such as eye infections and potential vision loss.
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Corneal damage
Sleeping with contact lenses can cause corneal damage and increase the risk of eye infections, including microbial keratitis, by six to eight times. Keratitis is a severe and potentially sight-threatening cornea infection often caused by bacteria, fungi, or amoebas. It can cause corneal inflammation, leading to permanent corneal scarring and vision loss if left untreated.
When you sleep with contact lenses in, your eyelids move and put pressure on your eyes, potentially dislodging the lenses and trapping them in unusual positions. This can lead to scratches on your cornea and other injuries. Contact lenses absorb moisture from your eyes, causing dryness, irritation, and discomfort. This condition worsens during sleep as your eyes produce fewer tears.
The cornea requires oxygen to stay healthy, which it usually receives directly from the air. When you sleep with contact lenses, they act as a barrier, limiting the oxygen delivered to the cornea, a condition known as corneal hypoxia. This oxygen deprivation can lead to corneal ulcers, an open sore on the cornea that causes significant vision impairment and pain.
Even occasional or accidental naps with contact lenses increase the risk of infection. It is recommended to remove contact lenses as soon as possible upon waking and let your eyes recover for a day before wearing lenses again. Proper contact lens hygiene and following your eye doctor's directions are crucial to prevent corneal damage and infections.
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Potential vision loss
Another way sleeping with contact lenses can lead to potential vision loss is by causing corneal ulcers. Corneal ulcers are open sores that form on the cornea, the transparent front part of the eye. This condition is often painful and can significantly impair vision. If not treated quickly and appropriately, corneal ulcers can lead to permanent vision loss.
Furthermore, sleeping with contact lenses can lead to corneal hypoxia, a condition that occurs when the cornea does not receive enough oxygen. This can have serious implications for eye health and potentially lead to vision loss over time. Prolonged contact lens wear can also affect the physical structure of the eye's surface, with studies showing that the ocular surface environment is sensitive to prolonged pressure from contact lenses. This change in eye shape can potentially impact vision and increase the risk of infection.
In rare cases, severe corneal infections or scarring caused by sleeping with contact lenses may require surgery, including corneal transplant. Failing to address these issues promptly can result in permanent vision loss or even blindness. Therefore, it is crucial to remove contact lenses before sleeping and to practice good contact lens hygiene to reduce the risk of eye infections and other complications.
While it may be common for contact lens wearers to fall asleep with their lenses in accidentally, it is important to take proactive measures to prevent this. This can include setting reminders, using daily disposable lenses, and keeping a backup pair of glasses to reduce the risk of sleeping with lenses in.
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Frequently asked questions
You may experience dry, sore, or red eyes. In more serious cases, sleeping with contact lenses can increase your risk of eye infections, corneal damage, surgery, and, in rare cases, loss of vision.
The risk of infection, specifically microbial keratitis, increases by six to eight times.
Microbial keratitis is inflammation and infection of the cornea. It is commonly caused by bacteria, but it can also be viral, fungal, or parasitic.
If you accidentally sleep with your contact lenses in, it is recommended to remove them as soon as you wake up. You can use lubricating eye drops to soothe any dryness or irritation.
Sleeping with contact lenses can lead to long-term consequences such as vision loss and permanent scarring of the eye, which can cause blindness.
