Is It Safe to Sleep with Contacts? Risks, Benefits, and Advice for Contact Lens Wearers

Introduction

As a contact lens wearer, you may have wondered: can you sleep with contacts? The short answer is yes, you can, but that doesn’t mean you should. Sleeping in contacts can lead to a range of eye problems, from mild irritation to severe infections that can lead to vision loss. However, there are some contact lens types that are approved for overnight wear. In this article, we’ll explore the risks and benefits of sleeping in contacts and provide you with tips for safe lens wear.

Sleeping with Contacts: What You Need to Know

First, let’s define what contact lenses are- they are small, thin plastic or silicone discs that are placed directly on the eye’s cornea to correct vision problems. The lenses are available in different types, including soft lenses and rigid gas permeable lenses, and can be used to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.

While it’s not recommended to sleep with contacts on, some people still choose to do so. According to the American Optometric Association, about one-third of contact lens wearers report sleeping in their lenses at least occasionally.

When you sleep with contacts on, the lenses can become tighter, causing discomfort and dryness. This can also lead to corneal abrasions or ulcers, which can be painful and take time to heal. When you blink, the contact lens moves around on the cornea and can lead to tiny scratches.

The Risks and Benefits of Sleeping in Contact Lenses

While sleeping with contacts can be tempting, there are several potential risks that come with it. First and foremost, it can cause corneal ulcers, which are painful open sores on the cornea that can lead to vision loss if not treated promptly.

There’s also a risk of swollen corneas or bacterial keratitis, which is a potentially serious infection that can lead to blindness. In addition to the risks of infection, sleeping in contact lenses can exacerbate already-existing eye problems.

But what about the benefits of leaving your lenses on overnight? Some types of contact lenses, such as silicone hydrogel lenses, have been approved for extended overnight wear. They allow more oxygen to reach the cornea, which can be a plus for people with dry eyes. These lenses also reduce the risk of infection, making them a good choice for those who don’t want to take their lenses out at night.

Ultimately, the risks and benefits of sleeping in contacts depend on the type of lenses you use and how your eyes react to them.

Are You Putting Your Eyes at Risk by Sleeping with Contacts On?

There are several potential eye infections and other eye problems that can result from sleeping in contact lenses. For example, corneal ulcers are often caused by bacteria on the lens surface, which can multiply and damage the cornea.

Even if you don’t develop an infection, over-wearing contact lenses can lead to other complications. For example, it can cause corneal neovascularization, which is the growth of new blood vessels on the cornea. This can result in a red and inflamed eye, which can be painful and affect your vision.

When you sleep in contacts, you’re also reducing how much oxygen reaches your eyes, which can cause hypoxia. This condition can lead to dry, itchy, and irritated eyes.

Finally, it’s important to listen to your body’s signals. If your eyes feel uncomfortable or irritable, it’s a sign that you should remove your contacts.

Waking Up to the Truth about Sleeping in Contacts

It’s no secret that getting enough rest is important for your overall health and well-being. However, sleeping in contacts can interfere with rest, leading to a restless night’s sleep.

When you keep your contact lenses in overnight, your eyes become more prone to dryness, causing you to rub your eyes, which can lead to inflammation and irritability.

Here are some real-life examples of things that can happen when you sleep in contact lenses:

1. You wake up with a red, painful, or swollen eye
2. You develop an eye infection
3. You have trouble getting your lenses out in the morning
4. Your vision gets blurry
5. You feel tired or groggy because you didn’t get enough rest

How to Safely Sleep with Contacts – Tips and Advice

If you’re determined to sleep with contacts, there are some tips that you can follow to minimize your risk of infection and other eye problems:

• Always wash your hands with soap and water before touching your contact lenses
• Use lubricating eye drops or artificial tears to keep your eyes moist
• Make sure your contact lenses are clean and properly disinfected before you put them in
• Use contact lens rewetting drops if your eyes dry out
• Take your contacts out at least once a week and clean them thoroughly with a cleaning solution

It’s worth noting that these tips may not eliminate the risk of infections and other problems associated with extended contact lens wear.

To Sleep or Not to Sleep: The Contact Lens Dilemma

Should you sleep with contacts on? It’s ultimately up to you, but consider the following factors:

• Your eye health and sensitivity
• The type and quality of your contact lenses
• How long you’ve been wearing contacts for
• Why you want to sleep with your contacts on
• The benefits and risks of extended wear

If you decide to sleep with contacts on, make sure you’re following best practices and taking steps to minimize your risks.

If you fall asleep with contacts, it’s important to take them out as soon as possible to reduce your risk of eye infections and other complications.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Sleeping in Contact Lenses

Here’s a list of best practices for wearing contact lenses:

• Do take your lenses out at night, if possible
• Do clean your lenses thoroughly
• Do follow instructions for lens care and maintenance
• Don’t wear your contact lenses for longer than recommended
• Don’t use tap water or saliva to clean your lenses
• Don’t wear contacts that are damaged or expired

There are also some common questions and myths about sleeping with contacts that are worth addressing:

• Myth: If you fall asleep with contacts, you should keep them in so you don’t damage your eyes. Truth: Sleeping in contacts can lead to infections and other complications. It’s better to take them out as soon as possible and rest your eyes.
• Myth: You can wear contact lenses for as long as you want as long as you take care of them. Truth: Even properly cared for lenses can cause problems if worn for extended periods of time.
• Myth: You can’t sleep with contact lenses. Truth: While it’s not recommended, there are some types of contact lenses that are approved for extended wear.

Conclusion

In conclusion, sleeping in contact lenses can be risky, with potential complications ranging from mild irritation to severe infections that can result in vision loss. While there are some types of contact lenses that are approved for overnight wear, it’s worth considering the risks and benefits before deciding to sleep in them.

If you do choose to sleep with contacts, take steps to minimize your risks, such as practicing good hygiene and following best practices for lens care and maintenance. And if you fall asleep with contacts on, make sure to take them out as soon as possible to reduce the risk of infection and other problems.