Can You Sleep in Contact Lenses? Pros, Cons and Tips

Introduction

If you wear contact lenses, you may be wondering if it’s okay to sleep in them. While this is a common question, it’s important to understand that sleeping in contact lenses can have serious health risks. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of sleeping in contacts, as well as how to safely do so.

Pros and Cons of Sleeping in Contact Lenses

Before we get into the specifics of sleeping in contact lenses, let’s take a look at the pros and cons:

Advantages

The biggest advantage of sleeping in contact lenses is convenience. If you’re someone who wears contact lenses on a daily basis, taking them out and putting them back in every day can be time consuming. By sleeping in your contacts, you can save time in the morning and evening.

Disadvantages

The biggest disadvantage of sleeping in contact lenses is the potential for serious health risks. When you sleep in your contacts, you’re not allowing your eyes to breathe. This can lead to dryness, irritation, and even infection.

How to Safely Sleep in Contacts

If you’re going to sleep in your contact lenses, there are some precautions you should take to ensure your eyes stay healthy and safe:

Choosing the Right Kind of Contact Lens

Not all contact lenses are designed to be worn overnight. Before you decide to sleep in your contacts, make sure you’re using the right kind. Talk to your eye doctor about which type of contact lenses are best suited for overnight wear.

Cleaning and Disinfecting Contacts

It’s important to properly clean and disinfect your contact lenses before you go to bed. Make sure you follow the instructions provided by your eye doctor or contact lens manufacturer when it comes to cleaning and disinfecting your lenses.

Taking Care of Your Eyes

When you sleep in your contacts, it’s important to take extra care of your eyes. Make sure you use lubricating eye drops to keep your eyes moist and comfortable. Additionally, avoid rubbing your eyes when you wake up and opt for a gentle rinse with saline solution instead.

Common Questions About Sleeping in Contacts

Here are some of the most common questions people have about sleeping in contact lenses:

What are the Health Risks?

The main health risk associated with sleeping in contact lenses is an increased chance of infection. When you don’t allow your eyes to breathe, bacteria and other germs can build up on the lenses and cause irritation and infection.

Are There Any Long-Term Effects?

There are no long-term effects from sleeping in contact lenses. However, it’s important to practice good hygiene and take special care of your eyes if you choose to sleep in your contacts.

Is It Safe For All Ages?

Sleeping in contact lenses is not recommended for children or teenagers. It’s important for young people to develop healthy habits when it comes to caring for their eyes, and sleeping in contacts can lead to poor vision and eye health.

Tips for Wearing Contacts Overnight

If you’re going to sleep in contact lenses, here are some tips to help keep your eyes healthy and safe:

Use a Contact Lens Case

Make sure you use a contact lens case to store your lenses while you sleep. This will help reduce the chance of bacteria and other germs getting on your lenses.

Change Your Contact Lenses Regularly

It’s important to change your contact lenses regularly. Even if you’re wearing disposable lenses, they should still be changed every two weeks.

Wear an Eye Mask

Wearing an eye mask while you sleep can help keep your contact lenses from drying out. The eye mask will also prevent you from accidentally rubbing your eyes while you sleep.

Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes

Rubbing your eyes can cause damage to your contact lenses and your eyes. Make sure you avoid rubbing your eyes when you wake up and opt for a gentle rinse with saline solution instead.

Health Risks of Sleeping in Contacts

Sleeping in contact lenses can increase your risk of developing certain eye conditions, such as:

Corneal Ulcers

Corneal ulcers are open sores on the surface of your eye. They can be caused by a bacterial or fungal infection, and they can be very painful. If left untreated, corneal ulcers can cause permanent vision loss.

Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eye syndrome is a condition caused by a lack of tear production. This can cause irritation, redness, and blurry vision. If you’re sleeping in your contact lenses, make sure you use lubricating eye drops to keep your eyes moist and comfortable.

Eye Infections

Sleeping in contact lenses increases your risk of developing an eye infection. Bacteria and other germs can build up on the lenses, leading to irritation and infection. If you experience any signs of an eye infection, such as redness, pain, or discharge, seek medical attention immediately.

Conclusion

Sleeping in contact lenses can be convenient, but it’s important to understand the potential risks. Make sure you talk to your eye doctor about the best way to care for your eyes, and follow their advice when it comes to cleaning, disinfecting, and changing your contact lenses. With the right precautions, you can help keep your eyes healthy and safe.