When individuals get contacts for the first time, their doctor has likely warned them to remove the contacts before sleeping. Keeping the contacts in when going to bed for the night is a temptation for many. In fact, it is a temptation that almost everyone has given into on occasion. But, how bad is it really for the eyes? What are the dangers associated with sleeping in contacts? The truth is that it is far worse for your eye health than most people imagine.
Corneal Abrasions and Infection
There are many dangers associated with leaving contacts in for an extended period of time. When contacts are left in overnight, debris can become trapped behind the contact. When not cleaned or cared for properly, this debris will collect. At the very least, the eye can develop a corneal abrasion (a scratch on the eye). While sleeping, rapid eye movement can exacerbate these abrasions. When the contact is still worn with a corneal abrasion, the cut can develop an infection. This can lead to a corneal ulcer (or an open sore on the eye) that will need emergency care and even surgery to correct.
Difficult and Treatment-Resistant Infections
In addition to ulcers, other difficult eye infections can also develop. Infections such as acanthamoeba keratitis are linked to contact wearers who do not properly care for their contacts or who sleep with them in. Not only is this infection extremely difficult to diagnose, once diagnosed it is even more difficult to treat. There is no standard effective procedure and it often requires months of combining antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral treatments. Surgery is sometimes required and there is still a chance of recurrence after surgery. When it comes to this type of infection, prevention is by far the best course of action.
Corneal Neovascularization
Another complication that can result from sleeping in contacts is corneal neovascularization. This is a medical problem that develops when the eye is not able to get enough oxygen. When deprived of oxygen, new blood vessels from the limbus invade the cornea. Patients with this condition may not be able to wear contacts again. In worse case scenarios, patients may receive permanent vision damage.
Not Worth the Risk
At the very least, wearing contacts to bed can result in dry, itchy eyes. However, any of the above conditions can result in permanent eye damage and loss of vision. Although this does not happen to everyone who wears their contacts incorrectly, the severity of these conditions demands that no risks are taken. The momentary benefit of falling into bed without the extra work of taking out comfortable contact lenses is simply not worth the long-term risks.
Other Dangers of Incorrect Usage
In addition to sleeping with contacts in, there are other dangers that can result in the above conditions as well. Swimming while wearing contacts can cause infections from the unsanitized water. Rinsing contacts with tap water and putting them back in the eyes can also put eyes in direct contact with organisms that can cause harm to the eye. Using dirty hands to insert contacts, rubbing the eyes, and reusing old contact solution can all lead to abrasions and infections.
What About Extended Wear Contacts?
There are certain contacts on the market which are advertised as extended wear contacts. These contacts are more porous with the intention of preventing infections and lack of oxygen. The FDA has approved some contacts to be worn for long periods of time, even up to a month, without removal. However, it is still recommended to remove these contacts at least once a week to allow the eyes to rest. Even with extended wear contacts, there is still some risk of developing an infection or other eye problems when wearing them overnight.
The Dangers of Non-Prescription Contacts
Some individuals will try to cut corners financially by purchasing non-prescription contacts. However, all of the above dangers are also associated with any type of colored or decorative contact lens that is not prescription. Ill-fitting contacts can cause abrasions, infections, pink eye, and loss of vision. Lenses such as costume contacts with special colors and effects which are purchased without a prescription are not only dangerous but also illegal.
When receiving prescription contacts from an eye doctor, it is important that patients closely follow all of the instructions that the doctor gives them. Sleeping in contacts is no laughing matter and can result in serious infection, scarring, and permanent vision impairment. Contacts should be removed every day and soaked in a high-quality contact solution overnight. Making these basic preventative measures a part of the before-bed routine can go a long way to keeping the eyes healthy and safe from these serious dangers.