Wearing contact lenses or soft lenses can significantly improve your everyday vision. While they are more convenient than glasses, it is important to follow proper guidelines for contact lens use. One of the most important rules is to remove your contact lenses before going to bed.

Is it OK to Sleep with Contact Lenses?

Contact lenses are a great option for people with refractive vision disorders who prefer not to wear glasses. They offer freedom from the hassle of glasses, and many people find that contact lenses can enhance their appearance. However, just like glasses, contact lenses should not be worn while sleeping.

There are many types of contact lenses available, including those designed for extended wear during the day. However, this does not mean you can wear contact lenses while sleeping. When you sleep with contact lenses in place, oxygen cannot fully reach the cornea, as it is blocked by the lenses. This deprives the cornea of oxygen, increasing the risk of bacterial growth and impairing the cornea's ability to protect itself from microbes. As a result, the risk of irritation, redness, and infection increases.

Additionally, removing contact lenses in dry conditions can be more difficult. It is recommended to use lubricating eye drops before removing dry contact lenses. This can also help alleviate irritation caused by prolonged wear.

Dangers of Falling Asleep with Contact Lenses

Sleeping with contact lenses increases your risk of corneal infection or inflammation (keratitis) by 6 to 8 times. Approximately 18 to 20 cases of microbial keratitis are reported per 10,000 people who sleep with contact lenses.

Some potential dangers of falling asleep while wearing contact lenses include:

Bacterial Keratitis

Sleeping with contact lenses can lead to inflammation of the cornea due to a bacterial infection. The bacteria responsible for corneal infections include Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. If left untreated, this condition can result in vision loss.

Acanthamoeba Keratitis

In addition to bacterial infections, corneal infections can also be caused by parasites. Around 85% of people with acanthamoeba keratitis are contact lens wearers. This condition can also occur when contact lenses are used improperly, such as wearing them while swimming or bathing, or using unhygienic lenses.

Fungal Keratitis

Fungal keratitis is a corneal infection caused by fungi such as Fusarium, Aspergillus, or Candida. Prolonged contact lens wear, combined with outdoor activities or injuries involving plant material, can increase the risk of fungal keratitis.

Treatment for fungal keratitis typically involves antifungal medications. However, if the infection is severe, your doctor may recommend surgery.

Also read: Keratitis - Definition, Causes And Risk Factor

What to Do if You Fall Asleep Wearing Contact Lenses

If you fall asleep while wearing contact lenses, the first thing you should do is remove them as soon as possible. If you have difficulty removing them, apply lubricating eye drops to moisten your eyes, blink a few times, and then remove the lenses. Avoid forcibly removing the lenses, as this can cause irritation.

After removing the lenses, watch for any signs of irritation or infection in your eyes. It may be advisable to wear glasses for a while to give your eyes a break from contact lens wear.

If you experience any discomfort or have concerns about your eye health, you can visit a healthcare professional or use the consultation features available in the Ai Care app. You can download the Ai Care app from the App Store or Google Play Store for more information.

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