The Hidden Dangers of Sleeping with Contact Lenses
Sleeping in contact lenses increases your risk of developing an eye infection by 6 to 8 times. Most of these infections are avoidable, which is why it's so important to follow your eye care professional’s advice for proper contact lens care.
Since contact lenses are classified as medical devices, they need the right maintenance to minimise risks and protect your eye health.
Do you want to know the three most common risky behaviours that lead to eye infections? They include:
1. Improper use of lens cleaning solution2. Failure to replace contact lenses as recommended
3. Sleeping with your contacts in
Let’s explore what can go wrong if you sleep with your lenses on.
Table of Contents
- How Eye Infections Happen
- The Dangers of Sleeping with Contacts
- What About Lenses Approved for Overnight Wear?
- Why Daily Disposables Are the Safest Choice
- Final Thoughts: Never Sleep with Contacts
How Eye Infections Happen
Your eyes need oxygen to stay healthy. During the day, they draw oxygen from the air. At night, however, your eyes receive less oxygen because they’re closed. Sleeping with contacts in creates a further barrier, starving your corneas of much-needed oxygen.
This lack of oxygen can lead to corneal hypoxia, a condition where blood vessels grow into the cornea to compensate for the oxygen deficiency. These new blood vessels can impair vision and even cause long-term damage.
Contact lens manufacturers are aware of these challenges and have created advanced lenses to improve oxygen permeability. For example:
Dailies Total 1 lenses are six times more breathable than other daily disposables.
Proclear 1 Day lenses use hydrogel material that attracts water, keeping them 96% hydrated for up to 12 hours of wear.
However, no matter how advanced your lenses are, poor hygiene practices, such as failing to clean your lenses or reusing lens solution, can increase the risk of bacterial growth and eye infections.
The Dangers of Sleeping with Contacts
Keratitis
The most common contact lens-related infection is keratitis, which can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. Symptoms include redness, pain, tearing, and blurred vision.
Keratitis: Causes and Types
The most common contact lens-related infection is keratitis, an inflammation of the cornea that can result from bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. Typical symptoms include redness, pain, tearing, and blurred vision.
The causes of keratitis are broadly divided into two types:
Infectious Keratitis
Infectious keratitis occurs when microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites infect the cornea, leading to inflammation. This type is primarily caused by bacterial or viral infections. Without prompt treatment, infectious keratitis can cause serious vision problems or even permanent damage.
Noninfectious Keratitis
Noninfectious keratitis refers to corneal inflammation that is not caused by infections. Instead, it results from external factors such as physical trauma, irritation, or improper contact lens use. For instance, rubbing the eyes, the presence of foreign bodies, or extended wear of contact lenses can damage the cornea, leading to this condition. Other contributing factors include dry eyes, chemical exposure, or allergic reactions.
Risks of Sleeping with Contact Lenses
Sleeping with contact lenses significantly increases the risk of developing keratitis. During sleep, the cornea receives less oxygen, making it more vulnerable to injury or infection. If the cornea becomes scratched, bacteria or other microorganisms can enter and cause infectious keratitis. To reduce these risks, always remove contact lenses before sleeping and follow proper lens care guidelines.
In severe cases, untreated keratitis can scar the cornea, requiring a corneal transplant to restore vision. Some severe types of keratitis include the following:
Acanthamoeba Keratitis
This rare infection, caused by a waterborne amoeba, is linked to exposure to non-sterile water while wearing contacts. Swimming or showering with lenses on increases your risk.
Treatment can help, but delays in care often result in vision loss.
Pseudomonas Aeruginosa
This bacterial infection is especially concerning. Mild cases can clear up with antibiotics, but severe cases may cause ulcers, scarring, or even blindness. Studies show 20% of infections caused by this bacteria result in permanent vision damage, often linked to sleeping in contact lenses.
What About Lenses Approved for Overnight Wear?
Some lenses, like AirOptix Night and Day, are approved for up to 30 nights of continuous wear. These lenses allow more oxygen to pass through, reducing the risk of corneal hypoxia.
However, even with these lenses, it’s crucial to seek advice from your eye care professional. Your eye health and tolerance for overnight wear vary from person to person, and only a doctor can determine whether they’re suitable for you.
Why Daily Disposables Are the Safest Choice
Many optometrists recommend daily disposable lenses as the safest option. Because they are designed for single-day use, the risk of complications related to cleaning or storage is virtually eliminated.
Popular brands like Dailies Total 1 and Proclear 1 Day provide excellent comfort and vision clarity, making them an ideal choice for many Australians. Qieto1day and Qieto Rich are exclusive to Quicklens, offering unique options for those seeking premium-quality contact lenses.
Final Thoughts: Never Sleep with Contacts
No matter which lenses you use, it’s vital to remove them before sleeping — even if it’s just a nap on the couch. Your eyes deserve the best care, and taking a few moments to remove your contacts can save you from serious infections and vision problems down the line.
For more tips on eye care or to explore a wide selection of lenses, visit our website today!
