Introduction
Contact lenses are a popular alternative to glasses for people who want to correct their vision. With advances in technology, contact lenses have become more comfortable to wear, and many people choose to sleep with them on. However, sleeping or napping with contact lenses might not be a good idea as it can cause complications and even lead to serious eye infections. In this article, we will discuss the pros and cons of napping with contacts and provide tips from eye care experts on how to safely use them during sleep.
The Ups and Downs of Napping with Contacts: A Comprehensive Guide
Before we explore the potential risks and benefits of napping with contact lenses, it’s essential to understand how they work. Contact lenses are thin, curved glass or plastic pieces that cover the cornea of the eye. Their primary purpose is to improve vision by refracting light that enters the eye. They are available in both prescription and non-prescription forms. While contact lenses offer many benefits, like improved peripheral vision, they also have their downsides.
Benefits of Napping with Contacts
One of the most significant benefits of napping with contacts is that you won’t have to worry about blurry vision when you wake up. If you’re someone who tends to take naps in the middle of the day, wearing contacts during your nap can help you keep things clear when you get back to work.
Disadvantages of Napping with Contacts
There are numerous downsides to napping with contacts. Firstly, lenses can dry out, causing irritation, redness, and discomfort when you wake up. Secondly, contacts can shift during sleep and get stuck under the eyelid, causing discomfort and even corneal abrasions. Finally, sleeping with contact lenses also increases the risk of developing eye infections, such as keratitis, which can lead to permanent vision loss.
Factors That Can Impact the Safety of Napping with Contacts
The effectiveness of contact lenses can be impacted by several factors, including the type of lens, solution used, and wearing time. Contact lenses have an expiration date, and it’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s recommended replacement schedule. When napping with contact lenses, it’s critical to ensure your eyes are well-lubricated and adequately hydrated to avoid irritation and dryness. If you have allergies or a history of eye infections, sleeping with contact lenses can exacerbate these issues.
The Dos and Don’ts of Sleeping with Contacts – Insights from Eye Care Experts
Eye care experts recommend only using contact lenses during the day and removing them for sleeping. However, there are times when napping with contact lenses is unavoidable, and you must know what to do to maintain eye safety.
Expert Opinions on the Topic
According to Dr. George Waring III, an eye surgeon and clinical professor of ophthalmology at the Medical University of South Carolina, sleeping with contacts significantly increases the risk of developing eye infections. “The reason that people are at risk is that the contact lens adheres to the surface of the eye, and whatever is on the surface of the lens – bacteria, viruses, other pathogens – is then stuck onto the surface of the eye,” he says.
Recommendations for Safe Sleeping with Contacts
Here are some recommended actions to take to keep your eyes free from harm while napping with contact lenses:
- Choose contact lenses with extended wear options or specifically designed for overnight use.
- Ensure your lenses are well-hydrated before napping, or add moisture drops for extra lubrication.
- Make sure your hands are clean before handling contact lenses and remove them carefully to avoid any injuries.
- Discard any contact lenses that are damaged, discolored, or beyond their expiry date immediately.
- Book regular check-ups with an eye doctor to ensure that your contact lenses are right for your eyes.
Specific Actions to Take and to Avoid
Some specific actions to take and to avoid when napping with contact lenses include:
- Do sleep in contacts that are designed for extended wear or overnight use.
- Don’t nap with contacts that are past their expiry date.
- Don’t rub your eyes while wearing contact lenses, especially when you’re about to nap or fall asleep.
- Don’t sleep wearing contacts if you have any sort of eye infection or allergy.
- Do clean and store your contact lenses with an approved solution to help prevent infections.
Napping with Contacts: What You Need to Know to Prevent Eye Infections
It’s not safe to keep contact lenses in your eyes for more than 19 to 24 hours, including sleeping or napping. Leaving contact lenses in for an extended period increases the risk of developing infections, such as keratitis, inflammation of the cornea. When we sleep, our eyes naturally close, reducing the amount of oxygen supplied to the eyes. This insufficient oxygen supply creates an environment conducive to bacterial growth that can lead to severe eye infections.
Suggestions for Good Hygiene Practices
Here are some hygiene practices you can adopt to reduce the risk of infection when napping with contact lenses:
- Wash your hands with soap and water before handling contact lenses.
- Use only manufacturer-approved solutions to clean and store your lenses.
- It’s essential to sterilize contact lens cases after every use.
- Avoid rinsing your lenses with water or saliva.
- Don’t swim or take showers while wearing contact lenses.
Why Prevention is Key
Many people often forget that contact lenses are medical devices that require specific care to use safely. Observing good contact lens hygiene practices is essential to prevent eye infections and other complications.
The Hidden Risks of Falling Asleep with Contacts: Why It’s Important to Remove Them
Forgetting to remove contact lenses before falling asleep is common and can lead to more severe issues. This happens because when you sleep with contacts, they can create tiny surface abrasions on the cornea, allowing bacteria to enter and cause infection. If left untreated, this infection can lead to vision loss.
Description of the Risks Associated with Forgetting to Remove Contact Lenses Before Sleeping
Sleeping with contact lenses for even one night can lead to several issues, including:
- Corneal ulcers
- Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
- Eye irritation and redness
- Eye discharge
- Decreased visual acuity
Explanation of How It Can Lead to More Serious Issues with Examples and Explanations
When the contact lens is left in the eye for too long, it can cause permanent changes to the cells on the corneal surface, potentially leading to scarring. Scarring can change the curve of the cornea, which can lead to decreased vision and astigmatism, causing vision to be blurred. Severe ulcers can lead to corneal perforation, requiring surgery and leading to permanent vision loss.
Contact Lens Wearers Beware: The Risks and Consequences of Napping with Contacts
In conclusion, napping with contact lenses can seem convenient, but it can be risky as it can cause eye infections or other complications. Proper cleaning, storage, and removal of contact lenses before sleeping can help reduce the risk of complications and infections. Always follow the instructions of an eye doctor, and if you experience any discomfort or pain, remove the lenses immediately and seek medical attention. Protect your eyes and keep them healthy
Conclusion
In summary, napping with contact lenses can have some benefits, but the disadvantages outweigh them. Experts warn that wearing contacts during sleep can cause serious eye infections and increase the risk of developing complications such as corneal abrasions, dry eyes, or ulcers. You can ensure your eye safety by observing good eye hygiene practices and removing contact lenses before sleeping to give your eyes the rest they need.
Call to Action
If you have any questions or concerns regarding contact lens use, please schedule an appointment with an eye doctor right away. Together, you can discuss the risks and benefits of contact lenses and determine the best solution for your vision correction needs.
Final Words of Advice
Remember to always practice proper contact lens hygiene to protect your eyes and reduce the risk of eye infections or other complications from sleeping with contact lenses.
