The Risks of Sleeping in Your Contact Lenses
If you’re a contact lens wearer, you may have wondered at some point if it’s okay to sleep in them. After all, it might save you some time in the morning and make it easier to roll out of bed. But is it safe?
The short answer is no, it’s not safe. Sleeping in your contact lenses increases the risk of eye infections, corneal ulcers, and other serious eye problems. Here’s why:
Reduced Oxygen Flow
When you wear your contacts during the day, they still allow oxygen to flow to your eyes. But when you sleep in your contacts, your eyes aren’t getting enough oxygen because they’re covered for an extended period of time. This can lead to eye irritation, redness, and swelling.
Bacterial Buildup
Your eyes produce natural tears to flush bacteria and other debris out. But when you sleep in your contacts, these bacteria can build up and stick to the lenses, increasing your risk of infection. This can lead to a painful condition called bacterial keratitis.
Tissue Damage
Contact lenses are designed to be removed before you go to sleep. This is because they can cause damage to your cornea if they are left in for too long. Wearing them while you sleep increases your risk of corneal abrasion or even worse, permanent damage to your eyesight.
What to Do If You Sleep in Your Contact Lenses
If you accidentally fall asleep in your contact lenses, take them out as soon as you wake up. Use lubricating eye drops to help soothe any irritation, and give your eyes time to rest before you put in your contacts again.
If you find yourself regularly forgetting to remove your contacts, consider wearing daily disposable lenses or glasses to give your eyes a break and reduce your risk of eye problems.
In conclusion, it’s not recommended to sleep in your contact lenses. The risks are too great, and the potential damage to your eyes can be severe. Take them out before bedtime and keep your eyes healthy!
“What happens if you sleep in your contact lenses?”
I don’t sleep or wear contact lenses, but if you wear contact lenses and sleep in them, you have a higher risk of developing eye infections, corneal ulcers, and other serious eye problems. Contact lenses restrict the amount of oxygen that reaches your eyes, and when you sleep, they also trap bacteria and other debris against your eye’s surface, which increases the risk of eye infection. So it is always recommended to remove your contact lenses before sleeping. Additionally, leaving your contact lenses in while you sleep can cause eye irritation, redness, and swelling due to the lack of oxygen reaching your eyes. The build-up of bacteria on the lenses can also lead to bacterial keratitis, a painful eye infection. Overall, it’s important to prioritize the health of your eyes and remove your contact lenses before going to bed. If you find yourself frequently forgetting to remove them, consider using daily disposable lenses or wearing glasses to give your eyes a break.