We live in a fast-paced world where convenience often takes precedence over caution, especially when it comes to our daily routines. One common habit that has eye doctors raising alarm bells is sleeping with contact lenses on. If you wear contact lenses, you may be part of the one-third of contact wearers who have fallen asleep with them on.
While it may seem like a time-saving hack or a minor slip-up in our nightly rituals, the consequences of sleeping with contacts on can be far more serious than most people realize. Keep reading to find out why eye doctors advise against sleeping with contacts.
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Why eye doctors want you to stop wearing contact lenses to bed
Sleeping with contact lenses might seem convenient, but it poses significant risks to your eye health. Eye doctors strongly advise against overnight wear due to the potential for serious infections, reduced oxygen supply and long-term damage.
Increased risk of eye infections
"When you sleep in lenses, the amount of oxygen reaching your cornea decreases, creating an environment where bacteria and other harmful microorganisms can thrive, " said Dr. Jennifer Wademan.
Possible infections include:
- Bacterial infections: Overnight contact lens wear creates a warm, moist environment that fosters bacterial growth. This increases the risk of microbial keratitis, a severe bacterial infection causing pain, redness and possible vision loss.
- Fungal infections: Fungal eye infections, though rare, can be severe. They can lead to keratitis or endophthalmitis, with symptoms such as eye pain, redness and blurred vision appearing days to weeks after exposure.
- Acanthamoeba keratitis: This serious infection is caused by a microscopic parasite found in air, water and soil. It can lead to intense pain, severe inflammation and long-term damage to the cornea, causing vision impairment or blindness.
Reduced oxygen supply to the cornea
"Unlike other parts of the body, the cornea doesn't have its own blood supply, so it relies on oxygen from the air to keep its cells functioning properly, " Wademan told CNET. "This lack of oxygen can cause swelling, discomfort and increase the risk of infections. Over time, inadequate oxygen can lead to more serious complications."
Potential complications resulting from reduced oxygen supply to the cornea include:
- Hypoxia-related issues: Corneal hypoxia occurs when contacts reduce the oxygen supply to the cornea, causing blurred vision, burning, scratchiness, excessive tearing and visible swelling of the cornea. To treat corneal hypoxia, remove the lenses promptly to help alleviate the symptoms and allow the cornea to heal and avoid wearing contact lenses for extended periods or overnight.
- Corneal neovascularization: Corneal neovascularization occurs when new blood vessels grow in the cornea, an area normally free of blood vessels, which can impair its clarity. This condition often results from injury or disease and may lead to inflammation, scarring and reduced vision.
Corneal ulcers
According to the Cleveland Clinic, a corneal ulcer is a serious open sore on the cornea, often caused by infections such as bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites, but there are several noninfectious causes, including eye injuries or dry eyes. Symptoms include severe eye pain, redness, watering and discharge.
Wearing contact lenses overnight or swimming with them in can also significantly increase the risk of developing a corneal ulcer. This is because it exposes the cornea to harmful microorganisms and compromises its ability to heal. Untreated corneal ulcers can result in permanent cornea scarring, affecting vision and causing lasting discomfort.
Potential long-term damage to the eyes
Sleeping in contact lenses can cause eye pain or irritation, but there is a risk of potentially causing long-term damage to your eyes by interfering with their health and function. Long-term damage can include:
- Corneal scarring: Prolonged misuse of contact lenses, especially when wearing them overnight, can lead to corneal scarring. This scarring can replace clear tissue with scar tissue or cause new blood vessel growth, which may impair vision.
- Vision impairment: Harvard Health Publishing warns against overnight contact use, as it can lead to blurry vision, sensitivity to light, infections and other long-term issues.
- Increased risk of dry eyes: Wearing contact lenses can disrupt the regulation of proteins responsible for eye lubrication, often leading to dry eyes, according to Healthline. This can cause discomfort and vision issues.
Tips for proper contact lens use
People make many mistakes when using contact lenses, including wearing them overnight. Here are a few tips to ensure proper use.
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Always remove your contacts before sleeping
Removing your contact lenses reduces the risk of infections and other complications.
"It's essential to give your eyes a break and allow them to breathe, so removing your lenses before bed is one of the best things you can do to protect your eye health," Wademan recommended.
Follow the recommended wearing schedule
It is best to adhere to the recommended wearing schedule for your contact lenses, ensuring that you remove them each night with daily wear lenses. While extended-wear lenses are designed for longer use, they still require careful management.
Use proper cleaning and disinfecting solutions
Always use the recommended cleaning and disinfecting solutions for your lenses to prevent the buildup of harmful microorganisms and ensure lens cleanliness. Multipurpose solutions that clean, disinfect and store lenses are common among soft contact users, while hard contact lenses require separate solutions, according to the CDC.
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"Always stick with the contact lens solution recommended by your eye doctor. And NEVER, NEVER use water, saliva, or homemade solutions to clean or store lenses," Wademan cautioned.
Regularly replace your contact lenses
How often you should change your contact lenses varies, but it is recommended that you follow the replacement schedule. Regularly replacing lenses, whether daily, bi-weekly or monthly, helps prevent issues related to wear and tear, ensuring optimal eye health.
Attend regular eye check-ups
Regular eye exams allow you to monitor your eye health and the condition of your contact lenses.
"Visit your eye doctor regularly to ensure your lenses fit properly and to check for any changes in your eye health. Regular exams help catch issues early before they become serious problems," Wademan said.
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