Risks of snoozing with contact lenses in

Remember getting your first pair of contacts?

Chances are you went through the same mini-hygiene session everyone else did. You know the drill: Rinse hands in soapy water. Dry-off with “lint-free” towel. Extract with care and gently massage with special anti-debris solution.

But once the novelty wears off, how many of us actually keep on-track? Eventually it happens. We get lazy, or forgetful and do the big no-no: fall asleep with contact lenses still attached to our corneas.

Yet, is it really that bad? Well… Yes. Experts say snoozing with contacts on causes eye infection and other health perils.

Cornea problems

Before drifting off to dreamland for the night, take note: Closing your eyes with contacts in impede fresh-tear and oxygen flow to corneal cells.

Natural tears and fresh air nourish and protect eyes from germs and debris. Hence, a lack of such allies lead to short-term problems like blurred vision, red eye, burning and itching sensations and even a scratched cornea.

Likewise, grim dilemmas like abnormal blood-vessel growth and giant papillary conjunctivitis (underside bumps on the eyelids) can also manifest in time.

Tend to forget them once you’ve popped them in?

Try extended-wear contact lenses. Approved for 7 days of continuous wear and made of silicone hydrogel, these contacts allow fresh oxygen to reach your corneas and gives leeway for overnight sleep with contacts in place. 

Keep in mind, if you’re new to lenses or have sensitive eyes, chat about best-fit options with your optometrist before purchasing a pair.

Biofilm buildup

Whether disposable or extended-wear contacts, cleaning or changing up your current pair is a must-do. Otherwise biofilm – slimy film that helps bacterial colonies stick to contact lenses – starts to build up.

Typically, bacteria filters out via blinking, but once you cover your corneas with clear contacts – blinking becomes ineffective and risks of corneal infection, scarring and even blindness can ensue.

To neutralize buildup, dip lenses in recommended solutions daily, or weekly (extended-wear contacts).

Tears increase tolerance

We get it. Sticking contacts into dry eyes can feel sandpaper uncomfortable. Especially when dry eye syndrome comes into play. Simple tasks like inserting and removing lenses become irritating not to mention difficult. And symptoms of red eye (blurry vision, photophobia and severe pain) can quickly take over your daily regime.

But, not all hope is lost for those who desire convenient contacts. Dry-eye frustrations can be avoided with solutions as easy as artificial tear drops.

Before popping in a pair, visit your optometrist to make sure all pre-existing conditions are treated.