Contact lenses are medical devices for vision correction. While convenient, accidentally falling asleep with them in is common. This practice can expose the eyes to various risks, from mild irritation to serious conditions that can affect vision. Proper handling and adherence to wear schedules are important for ocular well-being.
Common Immediate Symptoms
Waking up after sleeping with contact lenses often results in immediate symptoms. Many experience significant dryness because the lens prevents the tear film from adequately lubricating the eye. This can lead to a feeling of grittiness. The eye may also appear red, indicating irritation or inflammation. Blurry vision might also occur due to temporary corneal swelling or an altered tear film.
Why Sleeping with Contacts is Risky
Sleeping with contact lenses creates an environment conducive to eye health problems due to reduced oxygen flow to the cornea. The cornea relies on oxygen from the air to remain healthy. When a contact lens covers the cornea during sleep, it acts as a barrier, limiting this oxygen supply, a condition known as corneal hypoxia. This lack of oxygen can weaken the cornea’s natural defenses, making it more susceptible to damage and infection. The space beneath the lens also becomes a warm, moist environment that can trap bacteria, fungi, and debris. This trapped material, combined with hindered tear circulation, prevents the eye’s natural flushing mechanisms from removing microorganisms and waste products.
Potential Serious Eye Conditions
Sleeping with contact lenses can lead to several serious eye conditions that can threaten vision. One risk is bacterial keratitis, a severe corneal infection. Trapped bacteria multiply in the low-oxygen environment, invading corneal tissue and causing pain, redness, discharge, and vision impairment. Untreated, bacterial keratitis can progress to a corneal ulcer, an open sore. Ulcers can cause permanent scarring, potentially leading to irreversible vision loss or requiring corneal transplantation.
Another condition is giant papillary conjunctivitis (GPC), an allergic response often triggered by protein deposits on the lens surface. GPC manifests as large bumps (papillae) on the inner surface of the upper eyelid, causing itching, discomfort, and excessive mucus production. Prolonged oxygen deprivation can also lead to corneal neovascularization, where new blood vessels grow into the cornea. These vessels are fragile and can leak, causing inflammation, and their presence can obstruct vision or complicate future contact lens wear.
Immediate Steps and Prevention
If you accidentally fall asleep with contact lenses in, avoid immediate, forceful removal upon waking. Lenses may adhere tightly, and abrupt removal can cause corneal abrasions. Instead, blink several times to encourage tear production, or use preservative-free rewetting drops to rehydrate the lens and eye. After a few minutes, gently attempt to slide the lens to the white of your eye before removing it. If the lens remains stuck or discomfort persists, seek prompt medical attention.
To prevent future incidents, always remove contact lenses before sleeping, even for short naps. Consider switching to daily disposable lenses if you frequently forget to remove them, as these are designed for single use and reduce the risk of deposit buildup. Maintaining a spare pair of glasses is also a preventive measure, providing an alternative for vision correction when lenses need removal. Adhering to your optometrist’s prescribed wearing schedule and care instructions is important for maintaining eye health and minimizing risks.