Wearing contact lenses has become an essential part of life for millions of people who need vision correction but prefer not to wear glasses. However, many contact lens users wonder if it’s safe to sleep with their contacts in. While some types of contact lenses are designed for extended wear and can be worn overnight, sleeping with contacts in without proper guidance can lead to serious eye health issues. In this article, we will explore the risks, safety considerations, and types of contact lenses that can be worn while sleeping, as well as tips for proper contact lens care.
1. Risks of Sleeping in Contact Lenses
Sleeping in contact lenses, especially those not designed for overnight wear, can pose several risks to your eye health. Here are some of the most significant risks:
a. Reduced Oxygen to the Cornea
Contact lenses naturally reduce the amount of oxygen that reaches the cornea (the clear, outer layer of your eye). The cornea relies on oxygen from the air to stay healthy, and when your eyelids are closed during sleep, less oxygen reaches your eyes. If you’re wearing contact lenses while sleeping, oxygen flow is even more restricted, potentially leading to corneal hypoxia.
Corneal hypoxia occurs when the cornea doesn’t receive enough oxygen, causing discomfort, blurred vision, or in severe cases, permanent damage to the cornea. Long-term oxygen deprivation can make the cornea more susceptible to infections and other complications.
b. Increased Risk of Eye Infections
Wearing contact lenses overnight increases the risk of developing eye infections, such as keratitis, an inflammation of the cornea. Sleeping in contact lenses provides an ideal environment for bacteria, fungi, and other pathogens to thrive, as the eyes are less exposed to oxygen and tear production decreases while you sleep.
Studies have shown that people who sleep with their contact lenses in are significantly more likely to develop corneal infections compared to those who remove their lenses before bed. Some of these infections can lead to serious complications, including scarring of the cornea, vision loss, or even blindness in severe cases.
c. Dry Eyes and Irritation
Wearing contact lenses while sleeping can lead to dry eyes and irritation. During sleep, your tear production decreases, and contact lenses can absorb the moisture that remains on the surface of your eyes, leaving them feeling dry, irritated, or gritty when you wake up. This dryness can cause discomfort and make it difficult to remove the lenses in the morning, increasing the risk of scratching the cornea.
d. Corneal Ulcers
A more serious risk of sleeping in contact lenses is the development of corneal ulcers. A corneal ulcer is an open sore on the cornea that can result from an infection, trauma, or prolonged oxygen deprivation. Corneal ulcers can cause severe pain, redness, discharge, and vision loss. If left untreated, they can result in permanent damage to the eye.
2. Types of Contact Lenses Designed for Sleeping
While the risks of sleeping in contact lenses are significant, some contact lenses are specifically designed for overnight wear and are approved for extended use by the FDA. These lenses are made from materials that allow more oxygen to pass through to the cornea, reducing the risk of hypoxia and other complications. However, even with these lenses, it’s important to follow your eye care professional’s guidance and wear them only as prescribed.
a. Extended Wear Contact Lenses
Extended wear contact lenses are designed for continuous use, including overnight wear, for a period ranging from several days to a month. These lenses are made from silicone hydrogel, a material that allows significantly more oxygen to reach the cornea compared to traditional soft lenses. This helps reduce the risks associated with sleeping in contacts, such as corneal hypoxia and infections.
However, extended wear lenses still come with risks, and it’s important to discuss with your eye care provider how long you can safely wear them overnight. Even with extended wear lenses, most eye care professionals recommend taking them out periodically to give your eyes a break and reduce the risk of infection.
b. Daily Wear Contact Lenses
Daily wear contact lenses are not designed for overnight wear and should be removed before sleeping. These lenses are made from materials that provide comfort and clarity during the day but do not allow enough oxygen to pass through to the cornea for safe use during sleep. If you wear daily contact lenses and sleep in them, you increase the risk of infections and other eye complications.
c. Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses
Rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses allow more oxygen to pass through to the cornea than traditional soft lenses, making them a safer option for long-term wear. While RGP lenses are typically not worn overnight, some people use a special type of RGP lens called orthokeratology lenses, which are worn while sleeping to temporarily reshape the cornea and correct vision.
However, RGP lenses are not typically recommended for continuous wear, and they should be removed at night unless specifically prescribed for overnight wear.
3. Signs That You Shouldn’t Sleep in Your Contacts
If you wear contact lenses and notice any of the following symptoms, it may be a sign that sleeping in your lenses is causing damage to your eyes:
- Redness or Irritation: Persistent redness or irritation can indicate inflammation or infection.
- Pain or Discomfort: Any pain in your eyes, especially when removing lenses, is a sign that something may be wrong.
- Blurred Vision: Blurred vision after wearing contacts overnight may indicate that the lenses have damaged your cornea.
- Dry Eyes: Waking up with dry, uncomfortable eyes is a common sign that your eyes are not receiving enough oxygen while sleeping with contact lenses in.
If you experience any of these symptoms, remove your contacts immediately and consult your eye doctor for an evaluation.
4. How to Care for Contact Lenses Safely
Proper contact lens care is essential for maintaining eye health and reducing the risks associated with wearing contact lenses, especially when sleeping with them. Follow these tips to ensure your lenses remain safe for use:
a. Follow Your Doctor’s Instructions
Always follow the specific recommendations of your eye care professional regarding how long you can wear your contacts and whether it’s safe to sleep in them. If your doctor prescribes extended wear lenses, follow the recommended schedule for wearing and removing them.
b. Clean Your Lenses Regularly
For reusable lenses, always clean and disinfect your lenses properly using the appropriate contact lens solution. Never use tap water or saliva to clean your lenses, as these can introduce harmful bacteria to your eyes.
c. Replace Lenses as Directed
Whether you use daily, bi-weekly, or monthly lenses, always adhere to the recommended replacement schedule. Wearing lenses beyond their intended lifespan can increase the risk of irritation and infection.
d. Remove Lenses When Needed
Even if you have extended wear lenses, it’s a good idea to give your eyes a break by removing your lenses for a few hours during the day or taking them out overnight on occasion. This allows your eyes to receive more oxygen and stay healthy.
Conclusion
While some contact lenses are designed for overnight wear, sleeping in your contact lenses generally increases the risk of eye infections, irritation, and other complications. Unless your eye doctor has prescribed extended wear lenses, it’s best to remove your contacts before going to sleep. Even with extended wear lenses, it’s crucial to follow your doctor’s instructions and practice good lens care to protect your eye health. If you experience any discomfort, redness, or vision changes, consult your eye doctor immediately to prevent potential long-term damage.
