Contact lenses offer convenient vision correction. While they provide clear sight and freedom from glasses, proper use is important for eye health. Sleeping with contact lenses is a frequently overlooked aspect of care. Understanding proper management at bedtime is important to prevent complications.
The Core Issue
Sleeping with contact lenses causes oxygen deprivation, known as corneal hypoxia. The cornea, the transparent front part of the eye, receives oxygen primarily from the air. A contact lens creates a barrier, significantly reducing oxygen to the eye’s surface. This restriction intensifies when eyelids are closed during sleep, as natural tear flow also reduces. Prolonged oxygen deprivation can lead to corneal swelling and compromise cell health.
Impact on Eye Health
Sleeping in contact lenses can lead to various eye conditions. Reduced oxygen and moisture, combined with a foreign body on the eye, make it vulnerable to issues.
Corneal Ulcer (Keratitis)
A serious complication is a corneal ulcer, or keratitis, an infection of the cornea. This infection can be bacterial, fungal, or amoebic. Symptoms include pain, redness, blurred vision, light sensitivity, and discharge. If untreated, corneal ulcers can lead to permanent scarring and vision loss. Studies indicate that sleeping in contact lenses can increase the risk of microbial keratitis by over five times, regardless of lens type.
Corneal Neovascularization
Corneal neovascularization involves the abnormal growth of new blood vessels into the cornea. This occurs as the eye attempts to compensate for chronic oxygen deprivation by growing vessels into the normally clear cornea for more oxygen. These new vessels can interfere with vision by causing clouding or scarring, and they are often fragile and prone to bleeding. This condition is linked to prolonged contact lens wear, particularly overnight use.
Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis (GPC)
Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis (GPC) is an allergic reaction where the inner surface of the eyelid becomes inflamed and develops small bumps called papillae. It is associated with contact lens wear, triggered by deposits on the lens surface. Symptoms include itching, redness, excessive mucus, and a feeling of something in the eye, making lens wear uncomfortable.
Corneal Abrasions
Corneal abrasions, or scratches on the eye’s surface, can also occur when sleeping with contacts. If lenses become dry and adhere to the eye, attempting to remove them can pull away surface cells, creating tiny tears. These abrasions can be painful and create entry points for bacteria, increasing the risk of infection.
Dry Eye Syndrome
Sleeping in contact lenses can worsen or induce dry eye syndrome. Contact lenses can absorb moisture from the eye, and during sleep, tear production naturally decreases. This combination can lead to increased dryness, irritation, and discomfort, as the lens may not “swim” comfortably on the tear film.
Immediate Steps After Accidental Sleep
If you accidentally fall asleep with your contact lenses in, take careful steps to minimize harm. Resist removing lenses immediately upon waking, especially if eyes feel dry or stuck. Dry lenses can adhere to the cornea, and forceful removal can cause damage or abrasions.
Instead, allow your eyes to rehydrate. Blink several times to encourage natural tear production, or use rewetting drops or saline solution. Apply a few drops to each eye and blink gently to lubricate the lens and eye surface. After waiting 5 to 10 minutes for the lenses to rehydrate and loosen, attempt to remove them gently.
Once the lenses are out, it is important to give your eyes a break from contact lens wear for at least 24 hours by wearing glasses instead. This allows eyes to recover from dryness, irritation, or swelling. Monitor your eyes closely for any persistent or worsening symptoms such as redness, pain, blurred vision, discharge, or increased light sensitivity. If any of these symptoms appear or do not improve, seek immediate consultation with an eye care professional.
Safe Contact Lens Practices
Consistent safe contact lens practices prevent complications from overnight wear. Always remove contact lenses before sleeping, including short naps. This allows the cornea to receive oxygen and rehydrate without the lens barrier.
While some contact lenses are approved for extended wear, even these carry a higher risk of complications compared to daily wear lenses. If you use extended wear lenses, strictly follow your eye doctor’s instructions regarding their wear schedule and replacement, as infection risk is still elevated compared to not sleeping in lenses.
Beyond sleep, adherence to prescribed replacement schedules is also important. Overwearing lenses beyond their recommended lifespan, whether daily, weekly, or monthly, can lead to deposit buildup, reduced oxygen permeability, and increased infection risk. Proper cleaning and storage using fresh solution, and good hand hygiene before handling lenses, are important preventative measures. Regular eye examinations with an eye care professional are important for all contact lens wearers. These appointments ensure lenses fit correctly, prescriptions are updated, and eye health issues are detected early.