Possibility of Using Sleep Contacts: Are These Eye Pieces Safe at Night?
Contact lenses are medical devices designed to correct vision errors, but they can pose risks when worn during sleep.
These risks stem from the fact that contact lenses reduce the amount of oxygen reaching the cornea during waking hours. This is mitigated by blinking and tear exchange, but during sleep, with eyelids closed, oxygen supply is further limited. This oxygen deprivation can lead to corneal swelling, inflammation, and damage, which can be painful and impact vision.
One of the most significant risks of sleeping in contact lenses is the increased risk of eye infections. Studies show that infection risk increases 8 to 10 times with overnight lens wear. These infections can range from conjunctivitis (pink eye) to keratitis (corneal infection).
Sleeping in contact lenses also increases the risk of corneal ulcers, which are painful and can cause impaired vision. They may require weeks of treatment and recovery.
In addition to the risk of infections and ulcers, sleeping in contact lenses can lead to dryness and discomfort due to the lenses absorbing moisture and disrupting tear production.
Prolonged oxygen deprivation and infections may cause long-term complications, including corneal thinning, scarring, and loss of transparency, which may affect vision and render the cornea less tolerant to contact lenses in the future.
To reduce the risk of complications, it is recommended to remove contact lenses before sleeping, practice good lens hygiene, avoid water exposure, use fresh contact lens solution, and schedule regular eye exams.
While modern contact lenses are made from advanced materials like soft silicone hydrogel, designed for oxygen permeability, even lenses approved for overnight wear carry elevated risks compared to removing lenses before sleep.
If one accidentally sleeps in contacts, it is advised to carefully remove them upon waking, use lubricating drops to soothe irritation, disinfect lenses if reusable, monitor for signs of infection, and consult an eye care provider if problems arise.
Understanding the risks associated with sleeping in contact lenses is crucial for maintaining eye health and avoiding complications. While occasional overnight wear may seem convenient, it can lead to serious problems over time due to repeated episodes of hypoxia and pathogen accumulation.
Protecting your eye health requires diligence and adherence to recommended practices, such as removing contact lenses before bed, practicing good lens hygiene, and consulting your eye care provider regularly. Comfort does not equate to safety when wearing contact lenses overnight; complications like microbial keratitis or corneal ulcers can develop without noticeable symptoms.
In conclusion, while contact lenses offer a convenient solution for vision correction, it is essential to prioritise eye health by following recommended practices to minimise the risks associated with sleeping in contact lenses.
- Science has shown that wearing contact lenses during sleep can increase the risk of medical conditions related to eye health, such as infections and corneal ulcers.
- Sleeping in contact lenses disrupts the supply of oxygen to the cornea, which can lead to long-term complications like corneal thinning, scarring, and loss of transparency.
- To maintain good health and wellness, it is recommended to remove contact lenses before sleep, practice good lens hygiene, and consult an eye care provider regularly.
- Fitness and exercise routines should not compromise mental health or nutrition, but priority should be given to protecting eye health when wearing contact lenses, even those made from advanced materials like soft silicone hydrogel.
