Ashwin Lewis
Sleeping with contact lenses in your eyes can lead to a host of issues, from mild irritation to serious eye infections and even permanent vision loss. While some contact lenses are FDA-approved for overnight wear, it is still recommended that they be removed before sleeping to reduce the risk of eye infections and other complications. This is because the eyelids' movement during sleep can cause the lenses to shift and get stuck, leading to scratches and other injuries. Additionally, the cornea requires a sufficient supply of oxygen to stay healthy, and contact lenses can obstruct this flow, increasing the risk of corneal neovascularization and infections such as bacterial keratitis.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Risk of eye infection | Six to eight times higher |
| Oxygen supply | Reduced |
| Corneal damage | Permanent damage may occur |
| Vision loss | May occur in rare cases |
| Ulcers | Risk heightened |
| Corneal neovascularization | May occur due to lack of oxygen |
| Corneal abrasion | May occur when lenses tighten on eyes |
| Corneal hypoxia | May occur when cornea doesn't get enough oxygen |
| Bacterial keratitis | May occur due to bacteria on the human body |
| Acanthamoeba keratitis | May occur when rinsing contacts in tap water |
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What You'll Learn
Increased risk of eye infection
Sleeping with monthly contact lenses in your eyes can increase your risk of an eye infection. This is because your eyes need oxygen to stay healthy, and contact lenses act as a barrier, reducing the amount of oxygen that reaches the cornea. While you are awake, blinking helps to keep your eyes moist, and oxygen can flow in through the tears you produce. However, when you are asleep, your eyelids are closed, further reducing the amount of oxygen available to the cornea.
Contact lenses can also trap bacteria in your eyes, leading to various infections. The risk of infection is even higher if you sleep in your contacts, as the lenses can become dislodged or stuck in unusual positions while you sleep, causing scratches or other injuries to your eye. Additionally, if lenses are not frequently cleaned, people run the risk of getting an infection, as bacteria and debris can accumulate on the lens throughout the day.
Sleeping with contact lenses can increase your risk of specific types of eye infections, such as bacterial keratitis, which is an infection of the cornea caused by bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Acanthamoeba keratitis, a microbial eye infection, can also occur if you sleep with your contacts in, especially if you have been rinsing your contacts in tap water or swimming with them.
It is important to note that even occasional or accidental naps with your contacts in can increase your risk of infection. If you think there is a chance you might fall asleep, it is best to remove your contact lenses first. While it may be tempting to leave your contacts in overnight or during a nap, the potential risks to your eye health outweigh any convenience.
To protect yourself from eye infections, it is important to practice proper contact lens hygiene. This includes cleaning and disinfecting your lenses according to the instructions provided, regularly replacing your lenses and lens case, and avoiding exposure to water or saliva. Additionally, it is recommended to see a doctor right away if you notice any signs of infection, as early treatment can help prevent serious damage to your eyes.
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Lack of oxygen to the cornea
The cornea has very few blood vessels and relies on exposure to the air for oxygen. When you sleep with your contacts in, you obstruct the already limited flow of oxygen to the cornea. This can lead to corneal hypoxia, a condition where the cornea does not receive enough oxygen.
Corneal hypoxia can cause the cornea to swell or develop edema. The cornea begins to build up lactic acid, which draws water to the cornea and disrupts the fluid balance. This results in hazy or blurry vision, and if left untreated, can lead to the development of cysts.
In the moderate stages of hypoxia, switching to gas-permeable or rigid contact lenses can help as these allow more oxygen to reach the cornea. Removing the contact lenses usually resolves the issue within a few hours to a few days, depending on the severity. However, if the cornea has developed cysts or other complications, you may need to see an eye doctor for treatment.
Extended wear of contact lenses, especially overnight, can lead to a lack of oxygen to the cornea and increase the risk of eye infections. It is recommended to remove contact lenses before sleeping to reduce the risk of eye health issues.
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Higher chance of corneal damage
While you sleep, your eyelids are shut, reducing the amount of oxygen available to your cornea. Contact lenses further obstruct this flow, decreasing the oxygen supply to your cornea. This can lead to a condition called corneal neovascularization, where new blood vessels grow visibly on your cornea due to a prolonged lack of oxygen.
The cornea requires oxygen to stay healthy and function properly. When you wear contact lenses to bed, your eyes become more vulnerable to dryness, irritation, and infection. Ophthalmologist Allison Babiuch, MD, explains that even if it doesn't feel like a big deal, it's essential to make it a habit to remove your contacts before sleeping.
Contact lenses can also tighten on your eyes while you sleep, causing tiny tears or scratches known as corneal abrasions. These scratches can amplify inflammation and increase the risk of infection. Additionally, the movement of your eyelids during sleep can cause the lenses to shift out of place or become stuck in unusual positions, leading to further irritation and potential eye injuries.
Sleeping with contact lenses increases your risk of corneal infections, such as bacterial keratitis, which can lead to permanent corneal damage and vision loss if not properly treated. The risk of infection is heightened due to the reduced oxygen supply and the trapping of bacteria and microorganisms between the lens and the eye.
It is crucial to practice proper contact lens hygiene and always remove your contacts before sleeping to reduce the risk of corneal damage and other eye-related issues.
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Potential for permanent vision loss
Sleeping with contact lenses in your eyes can definitely cause some serious eye problems, with the potential for permanent vision loss in the worst-case scenario. This is because it deprives your eyes of oxygen and can lead to infections, inflammation, and even damage to the cornea.
When you sleep with contacts in, your eyes are not receiving the amount of oxygen they need to stay healthy. Contacts block the flow of oxygen to the cornea, and overnight, this blockage can lead to corneal swelling and the development of tiny blood vessels in the cornea, causing irritation and potentially impacting your vision.
The risk of infection is also significantly increased when sleeping with contacts. The lenses can shift during sleep, causing microscopic tears in the cornea, which then provide an entry point for bacteria and other microorganisms. This can lead to infections such as keratitis, which, if left untreated, can cause permanent damage to the cornea and result in vision loss or even the need for a corneal transplant.
Additionally, sleeping with contacts can lead to corneal ulcers, which are open sores on the cornea that can become infected. These ulcers can cause severe pain, redness, and blurred vision. If left untreated, they can lead to permanent scarring and vision loss. In some cases, corneal ulcers can even lead to perforation of the cornea, a serious condition that can result in blindness.
The potential for permanent vision loss from sleeping with monthly contacts is a serious issue that should not be ignored. It is important to always remove your contacts before sleeping and to follow the recommended replacement schedule for your lenses to reduce the risk of eye health issues and maintain healthy vision.
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Discomfort and dryness
Sleeping with monthly contact lenses in can cause a range of issues, with discomfort and dryness being two of the most common.
Contact lenses sit on the cornea, the clear outer layer of the eye. The cornea needs access to oxygen from the air, but contact lenses can significantly reduce the amount of oxygen that reaches the surface of the eyes. This oxygen deficiency can lead to discomfort, dryness, and potential corneal disorders.
When we are awake, blinking keeps our eyes moist, and oxygen enters the eyes through the tears we produce. However, when we sleep with contact lenses in, our eyes produce fewer tears, leading to dryness. The contact lenses can absorb the moisture in our eyes, making the condition worse. This dryness can cause irritation, discomfort, and potential damage to the corneal surface.
The contact lenses may also feel stiff, sticky, and hard to remove upon waking up. This can cause further discomfort and inconvenience. It is recommended to gently massage the eyes and nudge the lenses out instead of removing them immediately, as they may be dry and sticky.
Sleeping with contact lenses can also increase the risk of eye infections due to reduced oxygen flow to the cornea and the potential for bacteria accumulation. This can lead to serious complications like corneal ulcers and long-term consequences such as vision loss.
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Frequently asked questions
Monthly contacts are not designed to be slept in and can cause eye irritation and infections. This is because when you sleep with contacts in, your eyes are starved of oxygen, which can lead to swelling and a higher risk of infection.
The risks of sleeping with contacts in include corneal abrasion, corneal neovascularization, corneal ulcers, and permanent corneal damage.
If you accidentally sleep with your contacts in, it is recommended that you remove them as soon as possible. You should then let your eyes recover for a day before wearing contacts again.
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