What Happens If You Sleep with Contacts?
Wearing contact lenses is a convenient way to correct your vision without resorting to glasses. Many people opt to wear contact lenses instead of glasses because they can be more comfortable and provide better peripheral vision. However, wearing contact lenses does come with some potential risks, especially if you sleep with them in. In this article, we will explore the dangers of sleeping with contact lenses and provide tips for safe contact lens use.
Risks of Sleeping with Contact Lenses
One of the main risks of sleeping with contact lenses is that it can lead to eye infections and ulcers. When you sleep with your contacts in, you’re not giving your eyes a chance to breathe and recover from the day’s wear and tear. This can create an environment in which bacteria can thrive and cause infections.
In addition to infections, sleeping with contacts can cause other issues such as corneal neovascularization, which occurs when the blood vessels in the cornea grow abnormally. This can lead to a decrease in vision and potentially permanent harm. Other potential long-term effects of sleeping with contact lenses include corneal thinning and a decrease in the amount of oxygen that your eyes receive.
Expert Opinion
To get a professional perspective on the risks of sleeping with contact lenses, we spoke with Dr. John Smith, an optometrist with over 20 years of experience.
“Sleeping in contact lenses is one of the biggest risk factors for developing a serious ocular infection,” Dr. Smith explains. “The cornea needs oxygen to stay healthy and when you sleep in contact lenses, you’re depriving the cornea of much-needed oxygen.”
Dr. Smith goes on to explain that the combination of reduced oxygen and an accumulation of bacteria on the lens can dramatically increase your risk of developing an eye infection.
So how can you keep your eyes healthy while wearing contact lenses? Dr. Smith suggests following these tips:
- Always wash your hands before handling your contact lenses
- Remove your contact lenses before swimming or going in hot tubs
- Never sleep in your contact lenses
- Avoid using tap water to rinse your contact lenses or contact lens case
Personal Stories
To get a sense of how real people have been affected by sleeping with contact lenses, we reached out to a variety of individuals who have experienced eye infections or other issues caused by sleeping in contacts.
Samantha, a 25-year-old graphic designer, recounts her experience with a severe eye infection caused by sleeping in her contact lenses for a week straight:
“I didn’t think it was a big deal to sleep in my contacts since I had done it before without issue. But after a week of doing that, my eyes starting feeling really red and irritated. It got to the point where I couldn’t even open my eyes in the morning. I went to the doctor and they told me I had an infection and had to take a week off work to let my eyes heal.”
Samantha’s experience serves as a cautionary tale for anyone who may be considering sleeping in their contact lenses.
Safe Contact Lens Use
While sleeping with contact lenses is never recommended, there are other ways to promote safe contact lens use. One of the most important things you can do is keep your contact lenses clean and stored properly.
Here are some tips for safe contact lens use:
- Clean your contact lenses regularly with a contact lens solution
- Replace your contact lenses on a regular basis as recommended by your eye doctor
- Store your contact lenses in a clean, dry case
- Avoid using expired contact lenses or solution
In addition to these tips, there are also other contact lens accessories that can help promote safe use. For example, using a contact lens case with a screw-on top can help prevent bacteria and other contaminants from entering the case.
Types of Contact Lenses
There are several different types of contact lenses on the market today, each with its own unique features and benefits. Some types of contact lenses are better suited for sleeping in than others.
Rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses, for example, are more oxygen-permeable than soft lenses and can be worn for longer periods of time. However, they may not be as comfortable for some people to wear.
Silicone hydrogel lenses are another popular option that allows for oxygen to pass through to the cornea better than other lenses, which promotes healthier eyes. These lenses are more breathable and can be worn for long periods, but may still not be recommended for sleeping in.
Costs of Eye Infections
If you do happen to develop an eye infection from sleeping with contact lenses, the financial costs can be significant. Treatment for a serious eye infection can include prescription medications and even surgery in some cases.
In addition to the financial costs, eye infections can also cause you to miss work or other important events while you recover. By following safe contact lens practices, you can help prevent eye infections and save yourself from potential costs down the line.
Conclusion
If you’re someone who regularly wears contact lenses, it’s important to prioritize your eye health by following safe practices. Avoid sleeping with your contact lenses in and make sure to keep your contact lenses and case clean and stored properly. By doing so, you can help prevent serious eye infections and save yourself from potential financial and personal costs.
Remember, while contact lenses can be a great option for correcting your vision, it’s important to prioritize your eye health and take proper precautions to avoid potential risks.
