Contact lenses have become a popular choice for people who want to avoid glasses. While they offer convenience and comfort during the day, many wonder if sleeping with contact lenses is safe. This article delves into whether it is safe to sleep with contact lenses, the risks involved, and the recommended practices for lens users.
What Happens if You Sleep with Contact Lenses?
The question “Can I sleep with contact lenses?” is common, and the answer largely depends on the lenses you use. Generally, sleeping with contact lenses can lead to various complications. If you wear lenses designed for extended wear, they may be suitable for overnight use, but most contact lenses are not designed to be worn while sleeping.
If you sleep with contact lenses not intended for extended wear, several things can occur. Your corneas may receive less oxygen during the night, leading to dryness, irritation, and increased risk of infection. Sleeping with contact lenses can cause discomfort upon waking up, such as blurry vision or a gritty feeling in your eyes.
It’s essential to follow the guidelines provided by your eye care professional when it comes to wearing contact lenses, especially for extended periods.
Read about: How to Wear, Use, and Remove Contact Lenses Safely.
Can We Sleep Wearing Lenses?
The answer to whether we can sleep wearing lenses varies depending on the type of lenses you have. Some contact lenses are designed for overnight wear, while others are meant for daily use only.
If you have extended wear lenses, these can be worn continuously for several days, including overnight. However, this does not mean you should sleep with any type of contact lenses. Even with lenses designed for overnight wear, it’s still crucial to follow the recommended guidelines provided by your optometrist to minimize risks.
For most people, sleeping with non-extended wear lenses can lead to a variety of issues. The primary concern is the lack of oxygen reaching the eye. During sleep, the eyelids close, and the natural flow of oxygen to the cornea is restricted. Contact lenses already limit oxygen flow, and when worn while sleeping, they can exacerbate the problem, leading to potential complications.
Sleeping with Contact Lenses: Risks and Potential Problems
There are several risks to be aware of when sleeping with contact lenses, especially if they are not intended for overnight wear. Some of the potential issues include:
1. Dry Eyes and Discomfort
One of the most common issues faced by individuals who sleep with contact lenses is dry eyes. Contact lenses can absorb moisture from the surface of your eye, and when you sleep with them in, they can cause your eyes to dry out. This may lead to discomfort, redness, or the feeling of having something in your eye.
2. Increased Risk of Infection
Wearing contact lenses while sleeping increases the risk of developing eye infections such as keratitis. The lack of oxygen flow to the cornea can create an environment where bacteria and fungi can thrive, leading to infections that can be serious if left untreated.
3. Blurry Vision Upon Waking
When you wake up after sleeping with contact lenses in, you may experience blurry vision. This can be caused by the lens being displaced during sleep or by the lens drying out. While this issue may resolve after a few minutes of blinking, it’s still an indicator that sleeping with contact lenses is not a good practice.
4. Corneal Damage
Long-term use of contact lenses while sleeping can lead to corneal hypoxia, where the cornea receives insufficient oxygen. This can result in corneal swelling, scarring, and, in severe cases, vision problems.
Read more on: 5 Things to remember when you wear Contact Lenses.
How Long Can You Sleep with Contact Lenses?
If you’re considering wearing contact lenses while you sleep, it’s essential to understand how long they can be worn safely. Non-extended wear lenses should be removed before sleeping, but if you have lenses designed for overnight wear, you can generally wear them for up to 7-30 days, depending on your optometrist’s recommendation. However, even with extended wear lenses, it’s important to clean and replace them regularly and follow the instructions provided.
Remember, even with the safest lenses, it’s always a good idea to remove your contact lenses before you sleep to reduce the risk of complications.
Can You Sleep with Daily Lenses?
Daily lenses are designed to be worn for a single day and then discarded. These lenses are not intended for overnight use and should be removed before sleep. Even if you wear daily lenses only during the day, sleeping with them in can cause irritation, dryness, and increase the likelihood of eye infections.
What Are the Alternatives to Sleeping with Contact Lenses?
If you find that wearing contact lenses overnight is necessary for your lifestyle, consider talking to your eye care professional about alternatives. There are several options available, including:
- Extended-wear contact lenses designed specifically for overnight use
- Daily disposable lenses that are comfortable for day-long wear
- Glasses for when you need to give your eyes a rest from contacts
By following the guidance of your eye care provider, you can ensure that you maintain healthy eyes while enjoying the benefits of contact lenses.
Start taking better care of your eyes today and ensure proper contact lens usage for healthy vision. Learn More
FAQs
No, it is not recommended to sleep with contact lenses unless they are specifically designed for overnight wear. Sleeping with contact lenses can lead to various risks such as dry eyes, infection, and blurry vision.
Sleeping with contact lenses can cause dry eyes, discomfort, blurry vision, and increase the risk of eye infections like keratitis. It is essential to remove your lenses before sleep to avoid these issues.
No, wearing lenses not designed for overnight use can lead to several complications, including dry eyes, discomfort, and an increased risk of eye infections.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the answer to “Can I sleep with contact lenses?” depends on the type of lenses you have. While some lenses are designed for extended wear, most contact lenses should be removed before you go to bed to avoid discomfort and potential eye health issues. If you’re uncertain about the best practices for wearing contact lenses, always consult with your optometrist to ensure you’re following the guidelines that suit your needs.
