By Hadley Gavin
Contact lenses are a convenient alternative to glasses, offering clear vision and freedom of movement. However, one critical rule should never be ignored: sleeping in your contact lenses, unless specifically prescribed, is a practice fraught with risks. Below, we explore why removing your lenses before bed is essential for maintaining eye health and avoiding serious complications.
Oxygen Deprivation to the Cornea
Your cornea, the transparent layer at the front of your eye, relies on oxygen absorbed from the air to stay healthy. Contact lenses already reduce the amount of oxygen reaching the cornea during the day. When you sleep with lenses in, the lack of blinking and the closed eyelid create an environment where oxygen levels drop dramatically. This can lead to corneal hypoxia, a condition that may cause discomfort, swelling, or even long-term damage.
Increased Risk of Infections
Sleeping in contact lenses significantly raises the likelihood of developing an eye infection. Closed eyelids combined with the presence of a lens create a warm, moist environment—ideal for bacterial growth. One particularly serious infection is microbial keratitis, a painful condition that can lead to permanent vision loss if untreated. Studies show that the risk of infection increases six to eight times when contact lenses are worn overnight.
Corneal Ulcers
Prolonged lens wear while sleeping can result in corneal ulcers, which are open sores on the cornea. These ulcers not only cause severe pain but also pose a risk of permanent scarring, potentially impairing vision. Treatment often requires weeks of antibiotic therapy, and in extreme cases, corneal transplants may become necessary.
Dryness and Irritation
Sleeping in your contacts disrupts the natural lubrication process of your eyes. Tears, which keep your eyes hydrated and clear of debris, are not produced as effectively during sleep. This leads to dryness, making it uncomfortable and difficult to remove the lenses upon waking. Dryness also weakens the cornea, leaving it more vulnerable to damage.
Lens Adherence
After a night of sleeping in contacts, lenses may stick to your cornea due to the reduced moisture levels. Attempting to remove a stuck lens can cause microscopic tears or abrasions on the cornea’s surface, which can become entry points for harmful bacteria. To prevent this, it’s crucial to hydrate the eyes with sterile saline or rewetting drops before attempting removal.
Reduced Immune Defenses
Your eyes have a natural defense mechanism against infections, but this is compromised during sleep when wearing contact lenses. The reduced oxygen and moisture levels hinder the eye’s ability to combat invading pathogens effectively. This weakened state makes even minor irritations more likely to escalate into serious problems.
Lack of Compliance with Prescribed Lenses
While some lenses are approved for extended or overnight wear, even these carry risks if not used under strict guidance from an eye care professional. Extended-wear lenses are made from materials that allow higher oxygen permeability, but this does not eliminate the risk of infection or complications entirely. If your lenses are not specifically designed for overnight use, sleeping in them is a clear disregard for their intended purpose.
Poor Long-Term Eye Health
Repeatedly sleeping in contact lenses, even occasionally, can have cumulative effects on your eye health. Chronic oxygen deprivation and frequent infections can lead to conditions such as neovascularization, where new blood vessels grow into the cornea. This is your eye’s attempt to compensate for the lack of oxygen but often results in impaired vision.
How to Build Better Habits
1. Set a Reminder:
Make it a routine to remove your contact lenses before bed, no matter how tired you are. A simple reminder on your phone or pairing lens removal with another nightly habit, like brushing your teeth, can help establish consistency.
2. Keep Backup Glasses:
Having a reliable pair of glasses ensures that you can still see comfortably if you forget to remove your lenses and need to give your eyes a break the following day.
3. Carry a Lens Case and Solution:
If you often find yourself in situations where sleeping in lenses seems unavoidable, keeping a lens case and solution with you at all times provides a quick solution for safe removal and storage.
Taking the extra step to remove your contact lenses each night is a small but vital investment in your long-term eye health. By prioritizing proper care, you not only protect your vision but also enjoy the confidence that comes with healthy, comfortable eyes.
