Sleeping in daily disposable contact lenses is generally not recommended. This common practice can lead to various eye health complications. Understanding why these lenses are designed for single-day use and the potential consequences of overnight wear is important.
Understanding Daily Disposable Lenses
Daily disposable contact lenses are designed for a single day’s use. They are typically thinner and may not withstand frequent handling or cleaning compared to other lens types. Their design prioritizes comfort and convenience for a short wear period, not durability or extended oxygen permeability. Unlike extended wear lenses, daily disposables do not allow sufficient oxygen to reach the cornea when eyelids are closed during sleep.
Risks of Overnight Wear
Sleeping in daily disposable contact lenses poses several risks to eye health. The cornea, the clear front surface of the eye, requires a constant supply of oxygen to remain healthy. While awake, the cornea receives oxygen from the air. When eyelids are closed during sleep, the oxygen supply decreases, and a contact lens further restricts this flow, leading to corneal hypoxia. Oxygen deprivation can cause the cornea to swell, leading to discomfort and blurred vision.
The increased risk of eye infections, such as microbial keratitis, is a primary concern. The warm, moist environment under a closed eyelid, combined with the lens trapping microorganisms against the cornea, creates an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and other pathogens. Bacterial keratitis, often caused by bacteria like Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Staphylococcus aureus, can lead to painful corneal ulcers. These open sores on the cornea can result in significant vision impairment or permanent vision loss if not promptly treated.
Sleeping in lenses can also contribute to inflammation and irritation, such as redness and discomfort. This includes giant papillary conjunctivitis (GPC), which involves inflammation on the inner surface of the eyelid due to protein deposits. Chronic oxygen deprivation can also lead to corneal neovascularization, where new blood vessels grow into the cornea. These vessels can obstruct vision and indicate ongoing corneal stress.
What to Do After Accidental Overnight Wear
If you accidentally sleep in daily disposable contact lenses, take careful steps. Do not attempt to remove the lenses immediately upon waking, as they may be dry and stuck to the cornea, potentially causing injury. Instead, gently massage your closed eyelids to encourage moisture, or apply a few drops of sterile rewetting solution or artificial tears to rehydrate the lenses. Blink several times to help loosen the lenses, then attempt to remove them gently. If removal remains difficult, apply more drops and wait a few minutes before trying again.
After successfully removing the lenses, give your eyes a break from contact lens wear for at least a full day. Observe your eyes for any symptoms such as persistent redness, pain, excessive tearing, blurred vision, or unusual discharge. If any of these symptoms occur or persist, consult an eye care professional promptly, as they could indicate an infection or other complication. Do not reinsert the same lenses.
Alternatives for Overnight Contact Lens Use
Several alternatives to sleeping in daily disposables exist for overnight vision correction. Extended wear (EW) or continuous wear (CW) contact lenses are designed from materials like silicone hydrogel that allow higher oxygen permeability, making them suitable for overnight use. These lenses can be worn for several days up to 30 nights, depending on the specific lens and professional recommendation.
Another non-surgical option is Orthokeratology (Ortho-K). This method uses specially designed rigid, gas-permeable contact lenses worn overnight to temporarily reshape the cornea. The reshaping effect provides clear vision throughout the day without the need for glasses or daytime contact lenses. For a more permanent solution, refractive surgeries like LASIK are available. LASIK uses a laser to permanently reshape the cornea, correcting common vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, potentially eliminating the need for glasses or contact lenses entirely.