Many people wear contact lenses as a convenient and effective way to correct their vision. However, it’s crucial to remove your lenses before going to sleep.

Falling asleep with your contact lenses still in can have serious consequences for your eye health. In this article, we will explore the reasons why it’s important to remove your contact lenses before dozing off.

1. Oxygen deprivation

When you close your eyes while wearing contact lenses, they prevent oxygen from reaching the surface of your eyes. Overnight wear of contact lenses hinders the oxygen supply to your cornea, leading to a condition known as corneal hypoxia.

This oxygen deprivation can cause various eye-related problems, including corneal swelling and infections.

2. Risk of infection

Contact lenses create a barrier between your cornea and the outside environment. During the day, your blink reflex helps to flush out irritants and debris that may accumulate under your lenses.

However, when you sleep, your blink reflex is impaired, increasing the risk of infections. Bacteria can accumulate on contact lenses, leading to potentially severe eye infections like keratitis.

3. Dry eyes

Wearing contact lenses for extended periods, such as while sleeping, can cause significant dryness in your eyes. These lenses reduce the moisture content of your eyes and limit tear evaporation.

This can result in dry eyes, causing discomfort, irritation, and a gritty feeling. Dry eyes can also make it more challenging to wear contact lenses during the day.

4. Corneal ulcers

Corneal ulcers are painful open sores that develop on the cornea. Prolonged use of contact lenses, especially when sleeping with the lenses in, can increase the chances of corneal ulcers.

These ulcers may lead to vision loss or, in severe cases, require a corneal transplant to restore vision.

5. Debris and allergen buildup

During sleep, allergens, dust, and debris can accumulate under your contact lenses. Without regular removal and cleaning, these substances can cause irritation, itching, redness, and potentially more severe allergic reactions.

The longer you wear your lenses without removing them, the greater the buildup of allergens and debris.

6. Extended-wear contact lenses

While it may be tempting to opt for extended-wear contact lenses that are designed to be worn overnight, it’s important to note that risks associated with sleeping in contact lenses still apply.

Although these lenses are approved for continuous wear for a limited time, they still pose a higher risk of complications compared to daily wear lenses.

7. Reduced contact lens lifespan

Sleeping in contact lenses can significantly decrease their lifespan. Continuous wear puts additional stress on the lenses and makes them more prone to tears and deposits.

This can lead to discomfort, reduced vision quality, and the need for more frequent lens replacements, resulting in additional costs.

The risk of developing contact lens-related complications, such as giant papillary conjunctivitis (GPC) and contact lens acute red eye (CLARE), increases when lenses are worn overnight.

GPC causes itching, redness, and inflammation of the inner eyelids, while CLARE leads to sudden redness, pain, and increased sensitivity to light.

9. When is it safe to sleep in contact lenses?

Sleeping in contact lenses should only be done under the guidance of an eye care professional. Some specialized lenses are specifically designed for extended wear and can be worn while sleeping.

However, regular follow-ups with your eye doctor are necessary to ensure the lenses are suitable for your eyes and to monitor any potential complications.

10. Proper care and hygiene

Even if you have extended-wear lenses or are considering them, it’s crucial to practice proper contact lens care and hygiene.

Always wash your hands before handling your lenses and follow the cleaning regimen recommended by your eye care professional. Regularly remove and clean your lenses to reduce the risk of infection and ensure optimum vision and eye health.