Herbie Murray
Sleeping with your contact lenses on can cause a range of issues, from dry, sore, or red eyes to more severe consequences such as eye infections and permanent corneal damage. This is because contact lenses reduce the oxygen supply to the cornea, making it more vulnerable to bacteria and other microorganisms. As a result, the risk of eye infections, particularly microbial keratitis, increases by up to eight times when sleeping with contact lenses. While it may seem convenient to fall asleep with your lenses on, it is always best to remove them before bed to maintain eye health and avoid potential complications.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Risk of eye infection | 6 to 8 times higher |
| Dry eyes | Common |
| Redness and irritation | Common |
| Debris trapped under lenses | Possible |
| Damage to cornea | Possible |
| Permanent vision loss | Possible |
| Surgery required | Possible |
| Inability to regain original visual acuity | Possible |
| Inability to continue wearing contacts | Possible |
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What You'll Learn
Increased risk of eye infection
Sleeping with contact lenses on can have serious consequences for eye health. One of the most significant risks is the increased chance of developing an eye infection.
The cornea of the eye relies on oxygen from the atmosphere, which dissolves in the tear film that coats the eye. Contact lenses act as a barrier to oxygen, and while we sleep, our eyes are closed, further reducing the oxygen available to the cornea. Without enough oxygen, the cornea can break down, becoming vulnerable to bacteria, microorganisms, and contaminants. This state is known as hypoxia and can lead to corneal damage.
Blinking while awake helps keep the eyes moist and allows oxygen to flow through tears. During sleep, contact lenses significantly reduce the moisture available to the eyes, drying them out. This dryness can cause damage when the lenses are removed. The lenses themselves can also dry out, becoming sticky and hard to remove.
The combination of reduced oxygen and moisture creates an optimal environment for bacteria to enter and take hold in the eye area. This can lead to bacterial keratitis, an infection of the cornea, which is generally caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria. Bacterial keratitis can cause corneal ulcers, painful defects on the cornea's surface. While these can be treated with aggressive antibiotics, they may lead to long-term vision issues, including blindness, if left untreated.
Other infections that can occur from sleeping in contact lenses include fungal keratitis, conjunctivitis (pink eye), and microbial keratitis, which is the inflammation and infection of the cornea caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites.
The risk of infection is substantially increased by sleeping with contact lenses, with the CDC reporting that it can be six to eight times more likely. Therefore, it is always recommended to remove contact lenses before sleeping and to follow proper contact lens hygiene practices.
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Oxygen deprivation
Sleeping with contact lenses on can lead to oxygen deprivation in the cornea, or what is known as corneal hypoxia. The cornea, the outermost layer of the eye, receives less oxygen during sleep than when awake, as the eyes are closed. Contact lenses act as an additional barrier, further limiting the cornea's access to oxygen. This oxygen is essential for corneal health, and deprivation can lead to serious issues.
The risk of infection is significantly heightened when sleeping with contact lenses, with studies showing a six to eight times higher likelihood. Bacterial keratitis, an infection of the cornea, can lead to painful corneal ulcers and, if left untreated, potential vision loss. Even with successful treatment, bacterial keratitis may result in long-term vision issues, depending on the location of the ulcer.
To prevent oxygen deprivation and its associated complications, it is crucial to remove contact lenses before sleep. If you accidentally sleep with your lenses on, remove them as soon as possible, and let your eyes rest for a full day before resuming lens wear. Practicing good contact lens hygiene, including proper cleaning and adhering to replacement schedules, is essential for maintaining eye health and reducing infection risk.
While it may be tempting to leave your contact lenses in overnight, doing so can have significant consequences for your eye health. The risks of oxygen deprivation and infection are very real, and it is always best to prioritize the health and safety of your eyes by following proper contact lens care guidelines.
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Dry, red, and painful eyes
Sleeping with contact lenses on can cause dry, red, and painful eyes. This is because the lenses cut off the oxygen supply to the cornea, which can cause the corneal cells to break down and become vulnerable to bacteria. The cornea needs oxygen from the atmosphere, which dissolves in the tear film that coats the eye. When we sleep, our eyes are closed, reducing the oxygen available to the cornea. Contact lenses act as an additional barrier to oxygen, and the longer they are left in, the more severe the oxygen deprivation becomes.
Blinking helps to keep our eyes moist and allows oxygen to flow through our tears. When we sleep with contact lenses in, our eyes dry out, and the lenses become sticky and hard to remove. This can cause redness and irritation, as well as increasing the risk of eye infections.
Contact lenses can also trap debris under them, which can cause further irritation and damage to the eyes. This debris can include bacteria, increasing the risk of infection. Infections such as microbial keratitis, an inflammation and infection of the cornea, are much more likely to occur when contact lenses are worn overnight.
If you do fall asleep with contact lenses in, it is recommended to remove them as soon as possible. Sterile artificial tears can be used to help remove the lenses, and it is advised to then let your eyes recover for a full day before wearing lenses again.
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Corneal damage
Sleeping in contact lenses can have serious consequences for your eyes, with corneal damage being one of the most severe outcomes. The cornea is the outermost layer of the eye and is responsible for protecting the eye from infection. When you sleep with contact lenses in, you are depriving your cornea of the oxygen and hydration it needs to function properly. This can lead to a condition called hypoxia, where the cornea does not receive enough oxygen. As a result, the cornea can break down and become vulnerable to bacteria, increasing the risk of eye infections such as bacterial keratitis.
Bacterial keratitis is an infection of the cornea that can cause a painful defect in the cornea's surface, known as a corneal ulcer. This condition can be treated with aggressive antibiotics, but it can lead to long-term vision issues if left untreated. In some cases, it can even result in permanent scarring of the cornea, requiring the use of medicated eye drops or surgery.
Fungal keratitis is another potential complication of sleeping in contact lenses. It is caused by a fungal infection of the cornea and is one of the leading causes of blindness in India. If left untreated, fungal keratitis can also result in vision loss. Therefore, it is crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible if you experience any symptoms of an eye infection, such as redness, eye discharge, watery eyes, or blurred vision.
Sleeping in contact lenses can also increase the risk of microbial keratitis, a severe eye infection caused by bacteria, fungi, or amoebas. The lenses can trap microorganisms against the cornea, providing an ideal environment for them to multiply. Additionally, contact lenses that are not properly cleaned can harbour bacteria, further increasing the risk of infection.
While it may be tempting to leave your contact lenses in while you sleep, doing so can have serious consequences for your eye health. It is important to remove your contact lenses before sleeping and to practice good contact lens hygiene to reduce the risk of corneal damage and other eye infections.
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Potential loss of vision
Sleeping with your contact lenses on can have serious implications for your eye health and may even lead to permanent vision loss. This is because the cornea needs to breathe and receive oxygen directly from the air. When you sleep with your lenses on, the cornea does not get enough oxygen, leading to a condition called hypoxia. This oxygen deprivation can cause corneal damage and increase the risk of eye infections.
Infections such as bacterial, microbial, and fungal keratitis are common eye infections that occur due to sleeping with lenses on. Keratitis is an inflammation of the cornea that can be caused by bacteria, fungi, or amoebas. These microorganisms can enter the eye through your fingers when handling lenses or from various water sources, including tap water and pools. If left untreated, these infections can lead to permanent corneal scarring and vision loss.
Fungal keratitis, in particular, is a serious condition that can cause blindness. It is caused by a fungal infection and is more common in tropical regions. Treatment options include antifungal medication, surgery, or even corneal transplant, depending on the severity.
Another complication that can lead to vision loss is corneal ulcers. These are open sores on the cornea that cause significant pain and vision impairment. If not treated quickly and appropriately, corneal ulcers can lead to permanent vision loss.
It is important to note that even a single instance of sleeping with contact lenses can have adverse effects on your eye health. Repeatedly sleeping with lenses on can further reduce the cornea's ability to regenerate cells, making it more susceptible to infections and damage.
If you accidentally sleep with your lenses on, it is recommended to remove them as soon as possible. However, do not tug at the lenses as they may be stuck to your cornea. Instead, use sterile artificial tears or eye drops to lubricate your eyes and help loosen the lenses before removal. Give your eyes a break by not wearing lenses for at least one full day, and pay attention to any symptoms of infection or discomfort.
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Frequently asked questions
It can increase your risk of eye infection, redness, irritation, and permanent damage to your cornea.
If you wake up and your lenses are stuck, don't forcefully remove them. Instead, place several drops of sterile artificial tear eye drops in your eyes, wait 5-10 minutes, and then try removing them gently.
Regularly sleeping with lenses on can cause serious eye infections such as microbial keratitis, fungal keratitis, bacterial keratitis, and corneal ulcers. These infections can lead to corneal damage, surgery, and, in rare cases, loss of vision.
Signs of an eye infection include redness, irritation, inflammation, and pain. If you notice any of these symptoms, consult an eye doctor immediately.
To reduce the risk of eye infection, it is recommended to practice good contact lens hygiene, including properly cleaning the lenses and changing them as instructed by your eye doctor. Additionally, if you sleep with your lenses on, remove them as soon as you wake up, and let your eyes recover for at least a day before wearing lenses again.
