Falling asleep with contact lenses in often leads to red, irritated eyes. Understanding the reasons for this redness, knowing immediate steps to take, and when to seek professional medical attention can protect your eye health. This article provides guidance for current discomfort and strategies to prevent future incidents.
Understanding the Redness
Redness occurs due to several physiological factors. The primary reason is reduced oxygen supply to the cornea, the clear front surface of your eye. The cornea normally receives oxygen from the air. When eyes are closed and covered by a contact lens, oxygen flow is significantly restricted, leading to corneal hypoxia. This oxygen deprivation can cause the cornea to swell, a condition called edema.
Beyond oxygen deprivation, contact lens material can cause irritation, especially with prolonged wear. Debris, allergens, or tear film components like proteins and lipids can accumulate on or under the lens. This buildup irritates the ocular surface and can create a breeding ground for bacteria. The presence of bacteria, combined with a compromised corneal surface, increases the risk of infection and inflammation, contributing to redness and discomfort.
What to Do Immediately
If you wake up with red eyes after sleeping in contact lenses, first carefully remove them. Your eyes will likely be dry, and the lenses might feel stuck, so avoid forceful removal. Rehydrate your eyes and the lenses by blinking or applying sterile saline or preservative-free rewetting drops. These drops help moisten the lens, making removal easier and preventing further irritation or corneal damage.
After removing lenses, resist rubbing your eyes, as this can worsen irritation or cause a corneal abrasion. Rest your eyes from contact lenses for at least 24 hours, or until redness and irritation subside. During this recovery, wear glasses to allow corneas to rehydrate and heal. Using preservative-free artificial tears periodically can also soothe dry, irritated eyes and promote healing.
When to Seek Professional Care
While many cases of red eyes from sleeping in contacts resolve with self-care, certain symptoms indicate a more serious issue requiring prompt professional attention. Consult an eye care professional immediately if you experience severe pain, an early sign of conditions like keratitis or a corneal ulcer. Persistent blurred vision, light sensitivity (photophobia), or a feeling that something is constantly in your eye are also warning signs.
Discharge from the eye, especially if yellow, sticky, or pus-like, suggests a potential infection. If redness persists for more than a day or two despite removing lenses and resting eyes, it is important to seek an evaluation. These symptoms could indicate a corneal ulcer, keratitis (inflammation of the cornea), or other infections. Untreated, these can lead to serious complications, including permanent vision loss. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent long-term damage.
Avoiding Future Incidents
Preventing future red eyes from sleeping in contact lenses involves proper lens care and wearing habits. Always remove contact lenses before sleep, even for short naps, unless specifically instructed by your eye care professional for extended wear lenses. Extended wear lenses are designed for longer wear, including overnight, but carry a higher risk of complications compared to daily wear lenses.
Strictly follow the recommended wearing schedule for your lenses (daily, bi-weekly, or monthly disposables). Overwearing lenses beyond their prescribed duration can lead to deposit buildup and reduced oxygen flow, increasing irritation and infection risk. Maintaining good lens hygiene is important: always wash and dry hands thoroughly before handling lenses, use fresh solution each time you clean and store them, and replace your lens case every two to three months. Regular eye exams are also important to ensure proper lens fit and monitor overall eye health.