Gina Johnson
Sleeping with contact lenses in your eyes can lead to a number of issues. You may wake up with irritated, dry, painful, or red eyes. Leaving contacts in your eyes while you sleep puts you at substantial risk of getting eye infections such as microbial keratitis, which is the inflammation and infection of the cornea. Although bacteria are the usual cause of this particular infection, other possible causes include fungi, viruses, and parasites.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Risk of eye infection | Bacterial keratitis, microbial keratitis, fungal keratitis, conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers |
| Oxygen deprivation | Hypoxia, corneal neovascularisation |
| Other issues | Redness, irritation, pain, inflammation, abrasions, sensitivity to light, corneal tears, corneal breakdown |
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What You'll Learn
Increased risk of eye infection
Wearing contact lenses while sleeping can increase the risk of eye infections. The cornea of the eye relies on oxygen from the atmosphere, which dissolves in the tear film that coats the eye. When a person is awake, their open eye gets oxygen from their tears and the air. However, when sleeping, the eyelids are shut, and there is less oxygen transmitted to the cornea. Wearing contact lenses while sleeping can further reduce the oxygen supply to the eyes, as the plastic lenses act as a physical barrier. This oxygen deprivation can cause the cornea to break down and become vulnerable to bacteria.
The risk of infection is further increased as contact lenses can trap bacteria and debris against the eye. Soft contact lenses, in particular, can cling to bacteria and debris that accidentally enter the eye throughout the day. Without adequate cleaning, these lenses can transfer bacteria to the eye when worn.
The combination of oxygen deprivation and increased bacterial exposure can lead to serious eye infections such as bacterial keratitis, an infection of the cornea. Bacterial keratitis is generally caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Pseudomonas aeruginosa, both of which are bacteria commonly found on the human body and in the environment. This infection can permanently scar the cornea and lead to blindness if left untreated.
Another potential infection is microbial keratitis, which is the inflammation and infection of the cornea. Microbial keratitis can be caused by bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites. Studies have shown that wearing contact lenses overnight increases the risk of microbial keratitis by more than five times, and the overall risk of eye infection by six to eight times.
To reduce the risk of eye infection, it is important to practice proper contact lens hygiene, including cleaning the lenses and changing them as instructed by a healthcare professional. It is also recommended to remove contact lenses before sleeping, even for short naps, to allow the eyes to recover and replenish their oxygen supply.
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Deprivation of oxygen to the cornea
The cornea, which is the front surface of the eye, relies on oxygen from the atmosphere, which dissolves in the tear film that coats the eye. When you sleep with contact lenses in, the eyelids shut, reducing the oxygen transmitted to the cornea from the surrounding air. The plastic lenses act as a physical barrier, further preventing oxygen from reaching the cornea. This deprivation of oxygen can lead to a condition called corneal hypoxia, where the cornea does not get enough oxygen.
Corneal hypoxia can have serious consequences for eye health. The cornea needs oxygen to function properly and to fight off bacterial or microbial invasions. Without sufficient oxygen, the cornea can break down, becoming vulnerable to bacteria, which thrive in the warm and dark conditions created by the contact lens. This increases the risk of eye infections, such as bacterial keratitis, which can cause permanent scarring of the cornea and even lead to blindness if left untreated.
Additionally, the contact lens itself may tighten on the eye during sleep, resulting in tiny rips or tears on the cornea. These tears further increase the risk of eye infections, inflammation, or abrasions. Sleeping with contact lenses can also cause corneal neovascularisation, where small blood vessels grow in the cornea to increase the oxygen supply to the area. This condition is a sign that the cornea is not receiving enough oxygen.
The risk of infection is not limited to bacterial infections. Sleeping with contact lenses can also increase the risk of fungal keratitis, especially if there has been some kind of eye trauma. This condition can lead to loss of sight in the infected eye and is a leading cause of blindness in India. Therefore, it is crucial to remove the contact lenses as soon as possible upon waking and to let the eyes recover for a full day before wearing lenses again.
In summary, sleeping with contact lenses can lead to deprivation of oxygen to the cornea, resulting in corneal hypoxia. This condition can have serious consequences, including an increased risk of eye infections, corneal tears, and corneal neovascularisation. Proper contact lens hygiene and following the recommendations of eye care professionals are crucial to maintaining eye health and preventing these complications.
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Risk of corneal neovascularisation
Contact lenses are worn by 45 million Americans and are considered quite safe. However, sleeping in contact lenses, especially if done regularly, creates an optimal environment for bacteria to enter the eye area. This is because the cornea of your eye relies on oxygen from the atmosphere, which dissolves in the tear film that coats your eye. When you sleep with contact lenses in, the lenses act as a barrier, reducing the amount of oxygen that reaches your cornea. This can lead to a condition called corneal neovascularization.
Corneal neovascularization is a condition where new blood vessels grow into the normally clear cornea, potentially affecting vision. It is caused by excessive contact lens wear, particularly when sleeping in lenses that are not designed for overnight use. The greatest risk factor for developing corneal neovascularization is wearing contact lenses for extended periods of time. This repeated oxygen deprivation to the cornea can lead to the growth of new blood vessels, which can ultimately result in vision loss.
The risk of corneal neovascularization is higher for those who frequently sleep in their contact lenses. This is because the amount of oxygen reaching the eyes is already decreased when the eyelids are closed for extended periods of time. Adding a barrier in the form of a contact lens can further reduce the oxygen supply, creating an environment that encourages the growth of new blood vessels.
While corneal neovascularization from contact lens wear is typically found in the superficial layers of the cornea, such as the epithelium, there is a concern that the blood vessels could grow deeper into the stromal layer. This could have more serious consequences for vision. Management of corneal neovascularization due to contact lens wear often involves strategies to improve the fit of the lens and increase the amount of oxygen available to the cornea.
It is important to note that sleeping in contact lenses can also increase the risk of other eye infections and conditions, such as corneal ulcers and bacterial keratitis. These infections can lead to permanent scarring of the cornea and even vision loss if left untreated. Therefore, it is recommended to always remove contact lenses before sleeping and to practice proper contact lens hygiene to protect eye health.
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Risk of microbial keratitis
Contact lens wear is the main risk factor for microbial keratitis, with sleeping in contact lenses being the most significant risk factor among lens wearers. Microbial keratitis is an infection of the cornea, which can be bacterial, fungal, or amoebic. It is estimated that microbial keratitis affects approximately 5 in 10,000 contact lens wearers, with 30,000 cases reported annually in the United States.
The risk of developing microbial keratitis increases when contact lenses are worn overnight. This is because the cornea of the eye relies on oxygen from the atmosphere, which dissolves in the tear film that coats the eye. When contact lenses are worn during sleep, they can deprive the cornea of oxygen, leading to a breakdown of the corneal tissue. This makes the cornea more vulnerable to bacterial invasion. Soft contact lenses can also cling to debris or bacteria that accidentally enter the eye throughout the day. Without proper cleaning, the risk of infection increases significantly, especially when sleeping with lenses in.
The risk of microbial keratitis is further exacerbated by poor contact lens hygiene practices, such as failing to clean lenses or not replacing them as instructed by a healthcare professional. Showering with contact lenses has been identified as the greatest risk factor for microbial keratitis, with daily showering increasing the risk by over seven times. Sleeping in lenses is the second-highest risk factor, with an odds ratio of 3.1. This means that individuals who sleep in their contact lenses are three times more likely to develop microbial keratitis compared to those who do not.
The consequences of microbial keratitis can be severe and potentially blinding, requiring urgent treatment to contain the damage and improve the chances of recovery. Permanent vision loss, the need for a corneal transplant, or loss of the eye can occur in severe cases. Even with treatment, the cornea can be permanently scarred by the infection. Therefore, it is crucial to practice proper contact lens hygiene, including removing lenses before sleeping and following the recommended replacement schedule.
Overall, sleeping in contact lenses significantly increases the risk of developing microbial keratitis, a severe and potentially blinding eye infection. The combination of oxygen deprivation, bacterial growth, and poor lens hygiene creates an optimal environment for microbial invasion of the cornea. As such, it is strongly advised to remove contact lenses before sleeping and to practice proper lens care to reduce the risk of microbial keratitis and its potentially devastating consequences.
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Risk of corneal ulcers
Sleeping in contact lenses can have serious implications for eye health, with a significantly increased risk of eye infections, redness, and permanent corneal damage.
Contact lenses, when worn and cared for properly, are generally safe and effective for vision correction. However, wearing them overnight creates an optimal environment for bacteria to enter the eye area. The lenses can dry out and become sticky, clinging to debris and bacteria that enter the eye throughout the day. This, combined with a lack of oxygen to the eye during sleep, can lead to a higher risk of infection, which may result in a corneal ulcer.
A corneal ulcer is an open sore on the cornea, the clear, dome-shaped covering at the front of the eye. It is a break in the corneal epithelium, which normally receives oxygen from tears and the atmosphere. When a person sleeps with contact lenses in, the flow of tears and oxygen delivery is impaired, causing hypoxia and hypercapnia of the corneal epithelium, resulting in ischemic necrosis. This breakdown of the cornea leaves it vulnerable to bacteria, increasing the risk of infection and subsequent corneal ulcer formation.
The risk of corneal ulcers is significantly higher for contact lens wearers who sleep in their lenses. One study found that the relative risk for overnight contact lens wear was 5.4 times higher than for non-contact lens wearers. Another source states that contact lens wearers are about 10 times more likely to get a corneal ulcer than non-wearers, and those who sleep in their lenses are about 100 times more likely.
The symptoms of a corneal ulcer include eye discomfort, a foreign body sensation, lacrimation, redness, severe pain, photophobia, eye discharge, and blurred vision. If left untreated, corneal ulcers can lead to permanent vision loss. It is important to seek medical attention promptly if any unusual symptoms are experienced after sleeping in contact lenses.
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Frequently asked questions
Your eyes will likely feel dry, irritated, and painful. You may also experience redness, eye strain, and increased sensitivity to light.
The cornea of your eye needs oxygen to stay healthy. When you're awake, your eyes get oxygen from the air and your tears. When you sleep with contact lenses in, the plastic acts as a barrier, preventing oxygen from reaching your eyes.
Remove the lenses as soon as you wake up. If they are stuck, place a few drops of sterile contact solution or lubricating eye drops in your eyes, blink a few times, and then try again.
Sleeping with contact lenses in increases your risk of eye infections, such as microbial keratitis and bacterial keratitis. It can also lead to corneal ulcers, conjunctivitis, corneal tears, and permanent damage to your cornea.
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