Did you know that about a third of contact lens wearers admit to sleeping in their contacts? While contact lenses are generally safe, sleeping in them can have serious consequences for your eye health. In this blog post, we explore the risks associated with sleeping with contact lenses and share tips for maintaining proper contact hygiene.
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The Consequences of Sleeping in Contact Lenses
Wearing contact lenses during the day allows you to see clearly while your eyes to receive the oxygen they need. However, keeping them in overnight restricts this vital oxygen flow, putting your cornea at risk. Oxygen deprivation can lead to the deterioration and death of surface cells, making your cornea more susceptible to harmful bacteria.
But that's not all. The warm and dark environment created during sleep provides the perfect breeding ground for bacterial growth. This combination of factors can result in a serious condition known as bacterial keratitis, which causes painful corneal ulcers and can potentially have long-term impacts on your vision.
How to Prevent Contact Lens-Related Infections
It is crucial to follow proper contact lens hygiene. Here are some tips that can help:
- Avoid sleeping in contacts
- Wash your hands before handling them
- Clean them with a disinfecting solution
- Replace your lens case regularly
- Schedule regular eye exams to monitor your eye health.
Exceptional Eyecare in New Mexico
Schedule an eye exam at Eyes of New Mexico Family Optometry, Albuquerque, today and receive expert guidance on proper contact lens care and the general well-being of your eyes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Contact Lenses
1. Can I wear contact lenses while napping?
A lack of sleep is bad for your eyes, but dozing off in your contact lenses isn’t ideal either. So we advise you to remove your contacts before catching a snooze and to maintain a healthy sleep pattern.
2. What should I do if I accidentally sleep in my contacts?
If you accidentally fall asleep with your contacts, remove them immediately, apply lubricating eye drops, and allow your eyes to rest. If you experience any issues, contact an eye doctor.