Can You Nap in Contacts?
Wearing contacts lenses requires caution and careful attention to eye hygiene to keep your eyes healthy. One of the most frequently asked questions is whether it is safe to nap while wearing contact lenses. A nap is a very effective way to recharge, but the possibility of eye damage and infections makes many people hesitant to snooze with their contacts still in. In this article, we will discuss the risks involved in napping in contacts and provide useful tips on how to ensure a safe nap and alternative eye protection methods.
The Risks of Napping in Contacts: Why You Should Avoid It
When you nap with your contact lenses still in, your eyes may not produce enough tears to maintain proper eye lubrication. This can make your eyes dry out and become red, itchy, and irritated. Moreover, the risks and complications of napping in contacts can be significant, and it’s essential to understand the hazards involved.
7 Reasons Why Sleeping in Contacts Can Harm Your Eyes
There are several reasons why sleeping in contacts can be harmful to your eyes. Some of the reasons include:
- Lack of Oxygen: When you sleep in contacts, your eyes receive less oxygen. Contact lenses cover your eyes, acting like a barrier that blocks the flow of oxygen to the surface of your eye. This deprives your cornea of the oxygen it needs to remain healthy.
- Infection: If you sleep in your contacts, you run the risk of developing an eye infection. The increased risk of infection results from bacteria building up on your contact lenses while you sleep.
- Corneal Abrasion: Contact lenses can accidentally cause corneal abrasions in your eyes, leading to severe pain and irritation, and even permanent eye damage.
- Dry Eyes: Not blinking your eyes frequently enough can lead to dry eyes, which can ultimately cause discomfort and pain.
- Eye Ulcers: Eye ulcers can result from a bacterial infection or fungus that has grown on your contacts and transferred to your eye.
- Compromised Vision: Wearing contacts for extended periods while napping can compromise your vision.
- Eyestrain: Sleeping in contacts can cause eyestrain, a condition that results from prolonged eye use, leading to fatigue and blurred vision.
The Dos and Don’ts of Napping in Contacts
To enjoy a safe nap, here are the dos and don’ts of sleeping in contacts.
- Do Wash Your Hands: Before removing your contact lenses, make sure that you clean your hands correctly and thoroughly with soap and water.
- Don’t Nap in Contacts: It is safe not to nap in contact lenses and remove them before going to bed.
- Do Take Out Your Contacts: When you prepare for a nap, it’s essential to take your contacts out to keep your eyes healthy.
- Don’t Use Water: Never use water to clean your contacts. Doing so can lead to infections, and it’s the primary cause of amoeba infection.
- Do Use Lens Drops: If your eyes get dry, it’s essential to use lens drops to lubricate your eyes.
- Don’t Reuse Your Solution: Reusing contact lens solution is unhygienic and can lead to infections.
- Do Use Regular Eye Exams: Regular eye check-ups with your optometrist can help to prevent potential eye problems from developing.
How to Ensure a Safe Nap in Contacts
If you do decide to take a nap while wearing contact lenses, it’s essential to follow necessary steps to ensure that your eyes stay healthy. Here are steps to follow while napping in contacts:
- Use a Timer: The recommended maximum time limits wearing contact lenses, including naps, is anywhere between 4-6 hours. Set a timer to wake up before napping after wearing your contacts for four hours.
- Use Lubricating Drops: Apply some lubricating drops before taking a nap to help with dry eyes.
- Avoid Sleeping Face Down: Do not sleep with your face pressed firmly in a pillow to prevent a risk of the lens getting displaced and increasing the chance of an eye infection.
- Keep Your Lids Closed: Keeping your eyes shut while sleeping will help prevent the lens from dryness and improve the flow of oxygen.
- Remove Your Lenses If Necessary: If you still feel discomfort when wearing contact lenses or your eyes feel red, it is best to remove your lenses entirely before napping.
The Science Behind Napping in Contacts
The human eye is a complex mechanism that depends on proper oxygen supply and lubrication to maintain health. When you nap with your eyes open, your eyes don’t produce enough tears to keep the eyes moist. This can lead to dryness and discomfort, causing wrinkles to appear around them.
What Happens to Your Eyes When You Nap in Contacts?
When you nap in contacts, the lenses on your eyes act as a barrier, preventing the flow of air and oxygen to your corneas; this can cause dryness and discomfort. Additionally, as time passes, your risk of developing eye infections rises if you’ve left the contact lenses in for too long. The lack of oxygen can also cause new blood vessels to grow in the cornea, which can lead to additional complications.
Alternatives to Napping in Contacts: Tips for Late-Night Eye Protection
If you’re someone that frequently takes naps during the day or needs to protect your eyes while sleeping, consider using alternatives to napping in contacts. Eye protection alternatives include:
- Eye Mask: You can use an eye mask to protect your eyes from dust and light when sleeping or during naps.
- Glasses: You can switch to wearing glasses instead of contacts to minimize the risk of eye infections.
- Liquid Tears: If your eyes feel dry, use liquid tears to keep the eyes moisturized.
- Prescription Goggles: Consider using prescription goggles to protect your eyes while you sleep and eliminate the need to wear contact lenses all day long.
- Artificial Tears: If you wear contacts for long periods, you may need to use artificial tears to keep your eyes healthy and moisturized.
Conclusion
In conclusion, napping in contacts poses significant risks to your eye health. It’s crucial to pay attention to your eye hygiene and opt for alternative protective measures. As an essential precaution, make sure to take your contact lenses out whenever you plan on napping. If you experience any eye discomfort around your contact lenses, the best course of action is to speak with your optician. By following these tips and sleeping without contacts, you can protect your eye health and enjoy restful naps without the fear of developing eye complications.
