Can you sleep in contact lenses?
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Julian Smith
Works at the International Finance Corporation, Lives in Washington, D.C., USA.
As an expert in the field of optometry, I must stress the importance of proper eye care, especially when it comes to contact lens use.
Sleeping in contact lenses is a common question among contact lens wearers, and the answer is quite clear: it is generally not recommended for several reasons.
Firstly, when you sleep with your contact lenses in, you are depriving your corneas of the oxygen they need. The cornea is the clear, outer part of your eye that covers the iris, pupil, and anterior chamber. It is responsible for the majority of the eye's focusing power. Oxygen is essential for the health and function of the cornea. Normally, when you are awake, blinking helps to spread tears across the cornea, which brings in oxygen and nutrients while also removing waste products.
However, when you are asleep, the rate of tear production decreases significantly, and the blink reflex is virtually non-existent. This means that the oxygen supply to the cornea is greatly reduced. If you are wearing contact lenses, they act as a barrier between the cornea and the air, further limiting the amount of oxygen that can reach the cornea. Prolonged oxygen deprivation can lead to a condition known as corneal hypoxia, which can cause a range of problems, from mild discomfort to serious complications like neurotrophic keratitis and ulcerative keratitis.
Secondly, the lack of movement that occurs when you are asleep can cause the contact lens to bind more tightly to the eye. This is because, as mentioned earlier, the eye is not blinking to keep the lens moving. A contact lens that is not moving can cause friction and irritation, which can lead to scratches on the cornea. These scratches can be painful and increase the risk of infection.
Thirdly, there is the issue of infection. Wearing contact lenses overnight increases the risk of developing an eye infection. The environment created by a contact lens against the eye can be a breeding ground for bacteria. When the eye is closed and the lens is not moving, it creates a warm, moist environment that is ideal for bacterial growth. This can lead to conditions such as keratitis, which is an inflammation of the cornea caused by an infection.
In addition to these risks, sleeping in contact lenses can also cause discomfort and redness. The lens can become dehydrated and stick to the eye, making it difficult to remove in the morning. This can lead to further irritation and potential damage to the eye.
There are some types of contact lenses, known as extended-wear lenses, that are specifically designed to be worn overnight. However, even with these lenses, it is important to follow the guidelines provided by your eye care professional. Extended-wear lenses are made from materials that allow more oxygen to pass through to the cornea, but they still pose a risk if not used correctly.
In conclusion, while it may be tempting to sleep in your contact lenses for the sake of convenience, the potential risks to your eye health are significant. It is always best to remove your lenses before going to bed and to give your eyes the rest and oxygen they need to stay healthy. If you are experiencing discomfort or have concerns about your contact lens use, it is important to consult with an eye care professional.
Sleeping in contact lenses is a common question among contact lens wearers, and the answer is quite clear: it is generally not recommended for several reasons.
Firstly, when you sleep with your contact lenses in, you are depriving your corneas of the oxygen they need. The cornea is the clear, outer part of your eye that covers the iris, pupil, and anterior chamber. It is responsible for the majority of the eye's focusing power. Oxygen is essential for the health and function of the cornea. Normally, when you are awake, blinking helps to spread tears across the cornea, which brings in oxygen and nutrients while also removing waste products.
However, when you are asleep, the rate of tear production decreases significantly, and the blink reflex is virtually non-existent. This means that the oxygen supply to the cornea is greatly reduced. If you are wearing contact lenses, they act as a barrier between the cornea and the air, further limiting the amount of oxygen that can reach the cornea. Prolonged oxygen deprivation can lead to a condition known as corneal hypoxia, which can cause a range of problems, from mild discomfort to serious complications like neurotrophic keratitis and ulcerative keratitis.
Secondly, the lack of movement that occurs when you are asleep can cause the contact lens to bind more tightly to the eye. This is because, as mentioned earlier, the eye is not blinking to keep the lens moving. A contact lens that is not moving can cause friction and irritation, which can lead to scratches on the cornea. These scratches can be painful and increase the risk of infection.
Thirdly, there is the issue of infection. Wearing contact lenses overnight increases the risk of developing an eye infection. The environment created by a contact lens against the eye can be a breeding ground for bacteria. When the eye is closed and the lens is not moving, it creates a warm, moist environment that is ideal for bacterial growth. This can lead to conditions such as keratitis, which is an inflammation of the cornea caused by an infection.
In addition to these risks, sleeping in contact lenses can also cause discomfort and redness. The lens can become dehydrated and stick to the eye, making it difficult to remove in the morning. This can lead to further irritation and potential damage to the eye.
There are some types of contact lenses, known as extended-wear lenses, that are specifically designed to be worn overnight. However, even with these lenses, it is important to follow the guidelines provided by your eye care professional. Extended-wear lenses are made from materials that allow more oxygen to pass through to the cornea, but they still pose a risk if not used correctly.
In conclusion, while it may be tempting to sleep in your contact lenses for the sake of convenience, the potential risks to your eye health are significant. It is always best to remove your lenses before going to bed and to give your eyes the rest and oxygen they need to stay healthy. If you are experiencing discomfort or have concerns about your contact lens use, it is important to consult with an eye care professional.
Works at the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Lives in Vienna, Austria.
Either way, eye experts say it's not a good idea. That's because when you sleep with your contact lenses in, you're depriving your corneas of oxygen. ... But when you're sleeping with your contacts in, the contact lens is unable to move because your eyes aren't blinking. And then there's the issue of infection.Aug 7, 2014
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Harper Wright
QuesHub.com delivers expert answers and knowledge to you.
Either way, eye experts say it's not a good idea. That's because when you sleep with your contact lenses in, you're depriving your corneas of oxygen. ... But when you're sleeping with your contacts in, the contact lens is unable to move because your eyes aren't blinking. And then there's the issue of infection.Aug 7, 2014
