Accidentally falling asleep with contact lenses can cause immediate discomfort, leading to dry, gritty, or irritated eyes. Understanding how to properly address this situation and prevent future occurrences is important for maintaining eye health.
Immediate Steps to Take
Upon waking with contact lenses still in, resist the urge to immediately remove them if your eyes feel very dry or stuck, as this can damage the eye’s delicate surface. Instead, blink repeatedly to encourage tear production and rehydrate the lens. If blinking isn’t enough, apply a few drops of preservative-free rewetting drops designed for contact lenses, not saline solution.
Allow the rewetting drops to sit for a minute or two, letting the lenses rehydrate. Once they feel moist and slide easily, gently remove them. Avoid rubbing your eyes, which can worsen irritation or cause damage. After removal, dispose of daily disposables or clean and store reusable lenses. Give your eyes a break from contact lenses for several hours, or ideally, the rest of the day, to recover.
Understanding Eye Irritation
Sleeping with contact lenses irritates eyes primarily by reducing oxygen supply to the cornea, known as corneal hypoxia. Lenses act as a barrier, limiting oxygen exchange and causing the cornea to swell, making it susceptible to damage.
During sleep, tear production decreases, inadequately lubricating lenses. This reduced tear flow increases friction, causing discomfort and abrasions. Debris, allergens, and microorganisms can also become trapped, contributing to irritation. Common symptoms include redness, a gritty sensation, blurred vision, light sensitivity, and excessive tearing.
Potential Risks and Complications
Beyond immediate irritation, consistently sleeping in contact lenses increases the risk of serious eye complications. A common issue is corneal abrasion, a scratch on the cornea often caused by rubbing dry lenses or trapped particles. These abrasions are painful and create an entry point for bacteria.
A more severe complication is microbial keratitis, a serious corneal infection that can lead to permanent vision loss if untreated. Bacteria, fungi, or amoebas can proliferate under a contact lens, especially with low oxygen. Another issue is giant papillary conjunctivitis (GPC), an allergic reaction causing bumps on the eyelid, leading to irritation and lens intolerance.
When to Seek Professional Care
While minor irritation from occasionally sleeping in contacts may resolve, certain symptoms warrant immediate professional medical attention. Seek care for persistent or worsening eye pain that doesn’t subside after lens removal and rest. Increasing redness that spreads or intensifies is also a warning sign.
Any significant vision changes, such as sudden blurriness or haziness, require a visit to an eye care professional. Eye discharge indicates a potential infection needing diagnosis and treatment. If symptoms do not improve within 24 to 48 hours after lens removal and rest, consult an optometrist or ophthalmologist.
Preventative Measures
To avoid accidentally sleeping with contact lenses, establish a consistent routine. Always remove lenses before bed, even for short naps. Set a daily reminder or place your lens case next to your toothbrush as a visual cue.
Carry a travel-sized contact lens case and solution, especially if plans change. For those who frequently forget or fall asleep unexpectedly, discuss daily disposable lenses with an eye care professional. These lenses are worn for a single day and discarded, eliminating cleaning and storage, and reducing extended wear risks.