Miya Pearson
Sleeping in contact lenses can be harmful to your eyes. It can cause oxygen deprivation, leading to corneal neovascularization, where little blood vessels grow in your cornea, threatening the transparency of the cornea and causing inflammation and scarring. It also increases the risk of eye infections by trapping bacteria and other microorganisms in your eyes. Infections can lead to corneal damage and, in serious cases, permanent vision loss. Other symptoms of sleeping in contacts include redness, irritation, sensitivity to light, tearing, and blurred vision. While it may not be possible to always remove your contacts before sleeping, it is recommended to take them out at least once a week to give your eyes time to recover.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Risk of eye infection | 6 to 8 times higher |
| Dehydration | Contacts may be stuck to the cornea |
| Redness | |
| Irritation | |
| Sensitivity to light | |
| Tearing | |
| Blurred vision | |
| Corneal damage | |
| Vision loss | |
| Acanthamoeba keratitis | |
| Fungal keratitis | |
| Bacterial keratitis |
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What You'll Learn
Dehydration and corneal damage
Corneal neovascularization is a condition that can occur due to a lack of oxygen to the cornea. Invasive blood vessels grow in the cornea, leading to inflammation and scarring. These blood vessels disrupt the transparency of the cornea, affecting your eyesight. Even one night of sleeping with contacts can cause this issue, depending on the sensitivity of your eyes.
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, reducing the amount of oxygen available to the cornea. This oxygen deprivation can lead to corneal cell damage, blurred vision, and increased risk of infection.
Infections, such as bacterial keratitis, can occur due to the build-up of bacteria and debris trapped between the lens and the cornea. These infections can cause permanent corneal damage and even lead to vision loss or blindness if left untreated. Acanthamoeba keratitis is another type of infection that can occur, often in conjunction with a microbial eye infection.
It is important to remove contact lenses before sleeping to prevent these issues. If you accidentally fall asleep with your contacts, it is recommended to use eye drops to re-wet your eyes and help with lens removal. Giving your eyes time to rest and recover is crucial.
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Increased risk of eye infections
Sleeping in contact lenses can have several adverse effects on your eyes, one of which is an increased risk of eye infections. Contact lenses, when worn during sleep, can deprive your cornea of oxygen, a state called hypoxia. This oxygen deprivation can cause the cornea to swell, leading to irritation, blurred vision, and an increased risk of infection.
The cornea, the clear layer protecting the coloured part of the eye, relies on oxygen from the atmosphere, which dissolves in the tear film that coats the eye. When asleep, the closed eyes reduce the oxygen supply to the cornea. Contact lenses act as an additional barrier, further decreasing oxygen availability. This oxygen deprivation makes the cornea more vulnerable to bacterial infections, as the cornea's ability to protect itself from microorganisms is impaired.
Bacterial keratitis, an infection of the cornea, is commonly caused by Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria, found in the environment and on the human body. Acanthamoeba keratitis, another type of eye infection, is often associated with poor contact lens hygiene, such as swimming or rinsing lenses with tap water. Fungal keratitis, caused by fungi like Fusarium, Aspergillus, and Candida, is also a risk, especially in tropical regions.
Sleeping in contacts can also lead to corneal neovascularization, where new blood vessels grow in the cornea due to oxygen deprivation. These invasive blood vessels can lead to inflammation, scarring, and disrupted eyesight. Additionally, the lack of blinking during sleep can cause debris and bacteria to accumulate on the lenses, further increasing the risk of infection when worn overnight.
While some people may wake up with only minor dryness, it is important to understand the potential risks associated with sleeping in contact lenses. The risk of eye infections increases significantly, and these infections can lead to serious complications, including corneal damage, surgery, and, in rare cases, loss of vision. Therefore, it is generally recommended to remove contact lenses before sleeping and to follow the advice of eye care professionals regarding lens care and usage.
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Acanthamoeba keratitis
Sleeping in contact lenses can be harmful to your eyes. It can increase the risk of eye infections by six to eight times, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While some infections may only cause redness, irritation, and tearing, others can lead to corneal damage and even permanent vision loss.
One such severe infection is Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK), a rare but serious eye condition that is often misdiagnosed. AK is caused by the Acanthamoeba genus, a globally widespread unicellular protozoan parasite commonly found in water, soil, and dust. It is usually associated with contact lens wearers, with over 80% of cases occurring in this group. Poor contact lens hygiene, such as rinsing lenses in tap water, swimming or using a hot tub while wearing lenses, and failing to clean and store lenses properly, can increase the risk of Acanthamoeba entering the eye.
Diagnosing AK is challenging due to its similarity to other types of keratitis, and treatment is lengthy and toxic. Therefore, prevention is crucial. Contact lens wearers should practice good hygiene by washing their hands before handling lenses, removing lenses before water-related activities, and using only recommended contact lens solutions for cleaning and storage. Extended-wear contact lenses should be removed before sleeping whenever possible, and daily-wear lenses should be cleaned and stored properly each night.
If you experience any symptoms of eye infection, such as redness, irritation, tearing, or blurred vision, remove your contact lenses and consult an eye care professional immediately.
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Fungal keratitis
Sleeping in contact lenses can have several adverse effects on your eyes. Firstly, it can increase your risk of eye infections. This is because the cornea of your eye needs access to oxygen from the atmosphere, which dissolves in the tear film that coats your eye. Contact lenses act as a barrier, reducing the amount of oxygen and moisture available to the cornea. This can lead to a condition called hypoxia, where the cells in the cornea do not receive enough oxygen and become damaged.
Bacterial keratitis, an infection of the cornea, is one possible consequence of sleeping in contacts. It is usually caused by bacteria commonly found on the human body and in the environment, such as Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Another serious risk associated with sleeping in contact lenses is fungal keratitis, an infection of the cornea caused by fungi. This condition is most prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, as well as rural areas with mild temperatures. Fusarium and Aspergillus species, commonly found in the environment, and Candida species, typically found on human skin and mucous membranes, are some of the fungi that can cause fungal keratitis.
It is worth noting that proper contact lens care and adherence to your eye care professional's recommendations are crucial in preventing fungal keratitis and other corneal infections. Additionally, if you experience any unusual eye symptoms or irritation, it is important to remove your contact lenses and consult your eye doctor immediately.
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Corneal neovascularization
Contacts are meant for daily use only and should be removed before going to bed. Sleeping in contacts can cause the cornea to swell due to oxygen deprivation, leading to irritation, blurred vision, or an infection. The cornea needs oxygen from the atmosphere, which dissolves in the tear film that coats the eye. When you sleep with contacts in, the amount of oxygen reaching your eyes is significantly reduced, and the contacts can get stuck to your cornea.
The symptoms of corneal neovascularization include redness around the cornea, light sensitivity, decreased or blurred vision, and pain when wearing contact lenses. It is important to note that corneal neovascularization may not always present obvious symptoms, especially in its mild or early stages. An eye doctor can detect corneal neovascularization by examining the cornea under high magnification.
Treatment for corneal neovascularization typically involves improving the fit of the contact lens and increasing the oxygen supply to the cornea. Steroid drops and anti-VEGF medication may be prescribed to treat the condition. However, these treatments may have side effects, such as an increased risk of glaucoma and increased vulnerability to infections. In some cases, laser and surgical procedures may be necessary to address corneal neovascularization.
To prevent corneal neovascularization, contact lens wearers should avoid sleeping with their lenses in. It is important to follow the cleansing and care routine recommended by your eye doctor and to give your eyes a break by removing your contacts periodically to allow the cornea to breathe.
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Frequently asked questions
Sleeping in contact lenses can cut off the oxygen supply to your eyes, causing hypoxia. This can lead to corneal damage, blurred vision, redness, irritation, and an increased risk of eye infections.
If you wake up with your contact lenses still in, do not panic. Let your eyes produce more tears by blinking, or use eye drops to re-wet your eyes. Once the contacts feel normal again, you can remove them. Give your eyes the rest of the day to recover.
Signs of an eye infection include redness, irritation, sensitivity to light, tearing, and blurred vision. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your eye doctor.
Types of eye infections that can occur from sleeping in contact lenses include bacterial keratitis, fungal keratitis, and Acanthamoeba keratitis. These infections can lead to corneal damage, surgery, and in rare cases, loss of vision.
