Risks and Consequences of Wearing Contact Lenses During Sleep
Sleeping with contacts can pose significant risks to your eye health, despite the occasional convenience.
The Cleveland Clinic, a non-profit academic medical center, cautions against making this a habit due to potential dryness, irritation, and infections.
Allison Babiuch, an ophthalmologist at the clinic, explains the reasons behind the risks associated with sleeping with contacts and offers guidance for those who inadvertently fall asleep while wearing them.
Is it safe to sleep with contacts?
In essence, no. While it may seem harmless, your eyes will thank you for removing your contacts before drifting off to sleep.
Several factors contribute to the danger of sleeping with contacts. "Giving the eyes a break and allowing the cornea to breathe is crucial," Dr. Babiuch explains. "Dry and oxygen-deprived eyes can cause damage when contacts are eventually removed."
Dangers of Sleeping with Contacts
Accidentally sleeping with contacts can lead to a myriad of problems, including redness, irritation, and damage to the cornea, the front surface of the eye.
While it is true that some contacts are approved for overnight wear, these are often referred to as "extended-wear contacts" and have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, their effectiveness isn't guaranteed for every individual. "I still wouldn't recommend them," Dr. Babiuch says.
Blocks Oxygen
Sleeping with contacts can restrict the oxygen your eyes need. The cornea relies on oxygen from the atmosphere, which dissolves in the tear film that coats your eye. When there isn't enough oxygen supply, corneal cells can become damaged, leading to various symptoms and complications.
During sleep, your eyes are closed, reducing the amount of oxygen available to the cornea from the atmosphere. Contact lenses create an additional barrier against oxygen if they remain in your eye all night.
Increases Risk of Infection
Numerous bacteria and microorganisms come into contact with our eyes. Wearing contacts while sleeping or for extended periods can trap these bacteria in your eyes, leading to various infections.
Risk of Lens Displacement
Incorrectly placed contact lenses should stay in their intended spot. However, pressure from moving eyelids during sleep can cause them to shift out of place, leading to irritation and potential injury to the eye.
Contributes to Dry Eyes
Contact lenses absorb moisture from your eyes, leading to dryness. This condition can worsen when you sleep with your contacts in, as your eyes produce fewer tears during sleep. Dry eyes can cause irritation, discomfort, and potential damage to the corneal surface.
Potential Eye Conditions
Regularly sleeping with contact lenses can lead to specific eye conditions, including keratitis, corneal ulcers, and corneal hypoxia.
What if you accidentally fall asleep wearing contacts?
If you unintentionally fall asleep with your contacts in, there's no need to panic. Follow these steps:
- Begin by gently massaging your eyes to stimulate moisture.
- Attempt to nudge your lenses out of your eye without tugging, which can exacerbate discomfort.
- If needed, place a few drops of contact solution in your eyes and blink a few times before trying to remove the contacts again.
After extracting the contacts, take a day off from wearing them if possible. Monitor your eyes for signs of infection, such as redness, excessive tearing, or discharge. Consult your eye doctor or healthcare provider immediately if you notice these symptoms or any changes in your vision.
Can you take a short nap with contacts?
Even a brief nap increases the risk of irritation or infection. It is advisable to remove your contacts before any period of sleep.
Key Takeaways
Limited safe options for extended wear contact lenses exist and largely depend on specific contact lens types and individual eye health needs. Discuss extended wear options with your eye care professional, but be aware of the increased risks. Alternatives for vision correction during sleep include ortho-k lenses, glasses, or refractive surgery.
Ortho-k lenses, worn only at night, gently reshape the cornea and are a non-invasive alternative to refractive surgery. Soft contact lenses, not labeled for overnight wear unless specifically determined by the manufacturer and eye care professional, should be considered high-risk options for extended wear.
In summary, sleeping with contacts is generally unsafe due to factors such as reduced oxygen supply, increased risk of infection, and the potential for eye damage. If one accidentally falls asleep with contacts, gentle eye massage, nudging the lens out, and using contact solution can aid in removal. Taking a day off from wearing contacts and monitoring eyes for signs of infection is essential. For those who need vision correction during sleep, alternatives such as ortho-k lenses, glasses, or refractive surgery may be considered. It's crucial to discuss extended wear options with an eye care professional but be aware of the potential risks involved.
