Accidentally falling asleep with contact lenses in is common, but it can lead to various eye issues. This article provides practical guidance on what to do if this occurs, explains the underlying risks, outlines when to seek medical attention, and offers strategies to prevent future incidents.
Your Immediate Steps
Upon waking with contact lenses in, resist the urge to immediately pull them out, especially if your eyes feel dry or irritated. Lenses may be stuck to the cornea due to reduced tear production, and forceful removal could cause damage. Instead, allow your eyes to rehydrate naturally.
Begin by blinking frequently to encourage tear production. If blinking alone is insufficient, apply sterile rewetting drops specifically designed for contact lenses. Wait several minutes after applying the drops, blinking gently, until the lenses feel mobile and comfortable before attempting removal. Once mobile, gently remove them. Dispose of used lenses immediately and avoid wearing new contact lenses for at least 24 hours to allow your eyes to recover.
Understanding the Risks
Sleeping in contact lenses significantly increases the risk of eye complications by reducing oxygen supply to the cornea. The cornea, the clear outer layer of the eye, primarily receives oxygen from the air. When eyelids are closed during sleep, oxygen flow is limited, and a contact lens further restricts this supply, leading to corneal hypoxia.
This lack of oxygen can cause the cornea to swell (edema) and may also impair its ability to fight off bacteria and regenerate cells. The warm, moist environment trapped under the lens creates an ideal breeding ground for microorganisms, increasing the risk of bacterial infections. Studies indicate that sleeping in contacts can elevate the risk of eye infection by six to eight times.
Serious infections include microbial keratitis, an inflammation of the cornea that can result in permanent scarring or vision loss if untreated. Other issues include corneal abrasions (scratches from dry or ill-fitting lenses) and corneal ulcers (open sores). Prolonged wear can also lead to giant papillary conjunctivitis (GPC), an inflammatory reaction where bumps form on the inner eyelid due to lens deposits, causing irritation and discomfort.
When to Seek Medical Attention
After following immediate steps, it is important to monitor your eyes for any signs of complications. Persistent symptoms indicate the need for professional medical evaluation.
Seek immediate attention from an eye care professional if you experience persistent redness or irritation lasting more than a few hours after lens removal. Other concerning symptoms include worsening eye pain, blurred vision or other vision changes, increased sensitivity to light (photophobia), or any discharge from the eye. A persistent feeling that something is in your eye also warrants prompt medical assessment. Early detection and treatment can prevent severe, vision-threatening complications.
Preventing Future Incidents
Establishing consistent habits is important to prevent sleeping in contact lenses. Make it a routine to remove your contact lenses every night before bed.
Setting a recurring reminder on your phone or placing your contact lens case and solution near your bed can serve as effective prompts.
Consider switching to daily disposable lenses, designed for single use and discarded after each wear, eliminating overnight storage and cleaning. For extended wear lenses, approved for overnight use, it is still recommended to remove them periodically to allow eyes to breathe.
Avoid napping with lenses in, even for a short duration, as this increases irritation or infection risk. Always carry a spare lens case and travel-sized solution for unexpected situations. Adhering to proper contact lens hygiene, including washing hands and using fresh solution, further reduces risks.