Sleeping with your contact lenses on can be tempting. Whether it’s falling asleep after a long day or dozing off mid-movie, you might think it won’t do much harm. However, sleeping in your contact lenses can have consequences for your eye health.
In fact, sleeping with your contact lenses can make you 6 to 8 times more likely to develop a contact lens-related eye infection. By wearing contact lenses while you sleep, you’re also at an increased risk of complications like infection and dry eye.
While there are contact lenses approved for overnight use, they can still carry some risks, so talk to your eye doctor if you’re interested in overnight options.
Why You Shouldn’t Sleep in Contact Lenses
Sleeping in contact lenses can harm your eye health in several ways, from reducing oxygen flow to the eye to increasing the risk of infections.
Reduces Oxygen to the Cornea
Your cornea (the clear, first and outer layer of your eye) requires constant access to oxygen to maintain its health. However, when you sleep with your eyes closed, less oxygen is available to your eye. Wearing contact lenses while you sleep creates an additional barrier and further reduces oxygen supply. A lack of oxygen can damage corneal cells and potentially lead to further complications.
Increases Risk of Infection
Your eyes encounter bacteria and microorganisms daily. During sleep, contacts can trap these irritants against your eye, creating a breeding ground for infections. The CDC estimates that your chances of developing contact lens-related eye infections are 6 to 8 times higher if you sleep with your lenses in.
Lenses Can Shift
Contact lenses should stay in place if worn properly. However, when you sleep, the movements of your eyelids can push your lenses out of position or trap them in awkward spots. Some people also rub their eyes in their sleep. Both situations cause discomfort or even injury to your eye.
May Lead to Dryness
Your eyes naturally produce fewer tears while you sleep, while contact lenses themselves absorb moisture. This combination of fewer tears and moisture absorption can lead to irritated eyes and, potentially, corneal damage.
Possible Eye Conditions from Sleeping with Contact Lenses
Falling asleep while wearing contact lenses can lead to more serious complications like keratitis, corneal ulcers, and corneal hypoxia.
Keratitis
Keratitis is an inflammation of the cornea. Those who wear contact lenses are at an increased risk of developing this condition. There are a few types of keratitis:
- Bacterial keratitis: This type of keratitis is caused by bacteria like Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. These bacteria can be found on your body as well as in soil and water. They can enter the eye through your fingers when you put in or take out your contact lenses, especially if contact lenses and storage cases are not properly cleaned. Bacterial keratitis can lead to vision loss.
- Acanthamoeba keratitis: An amoeba—a single-celled organism—causes this type of keratitis. Acanthamoeba can be found in water, soil, tap water, HVAC systems, and hot tubs. Swimming, showering, and sleeping with your contact lenses in can put you at increased risk of Acanthamoeba infections. Injury to the eye also increases infection risk.
- Fungal keratitis: This type of keratitis is caused by a fungal infection and is more common in tropical regions, but can happen anywhere. Treatments for fungal keratitis include antifungal medication, surgery, or corneal transplant depending on the severity. Left untreated, fungal keratitis can cause vision loss.
Corneal Ulcers
A corneal ulcer is an open sore on the cornea. Symptoms include pain, redness, sensitivity to light, watery eyes, blurry vision, inflamed eyelids, and a feeling like there’s something stuck in your eye. There may also be a white or gray smudge on the cornea, but this can be hard to see. Corneal ulcers are considered medical emergencies because they can permanently harm the eye and can lead to vision loss.
Corneal Hypoxia
When the cornea receives insufficient oxygen, symptoms can include sensitivity to light, fatigue in the eye, and pain. Other associated symptoms include blurry vision, redness, and discomfort.
What to Do If You Fall Asleep Wearing Contact Lenses
If you accidentally fall asleep with your contact lenses, you’re not alone. According to the CDC, around one-third of people who wear contact lenses admit to sleeping or napping with their lenses in!
Here are some things you can do if you wake up with the realization that you’ve accidentally left your contact lenses in:
- Use extra lubrication: Remove your contact lenses as soon as you wake up, but remember that this may be more difficult after sleeping in them. Try using artificial tears to lubricate and help loosen your lenses. Don’t pull on them.
- Give your corneas a break: Once you’ve removed your lenses, avoid wearing contacts for a full day to allow your eyes to recover. Instead, opt for your glasses.
- Be on the lookout for symptoms of infection: Such symptoms include discharge, blurry vision, redness, and excessive wateriness. Contact your optometrist right away if you suspect an infection or have any other concerns.
Learn More About Contact Lenses at Griffin Optometric Group
Contact lenses are convenient choices for many people, but they do require cleaning and healthy habits. Avoid sleeping with your contact lenses. However, if you do find yourself napping, give your eyes a break and be aware of signs of infection.
Have questions about contact lenses? Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at Griffin Optometric Group in San Clemente. Our team offers a variety of services including eye exams, dry eye therapy, and contact lens fittings.
We’ve been serving our community since 1957 and look forward to helping you take care of your vision. Book an appointment today.
