Leaving Soft Contacts in While Sleeping

Many people fall asleep while still wearing their contact lenses and most do not suffer any ill effects. However, regularly wearing contact lenses during sleep can cause permanent vision damage.

Risks

• Soft contact lenses restrict the flow of oxygen to the eye because the eye tries to compensate for the restricted amount of oxygen by growing new veins into the cornea, resulting in a condition called corneal neovascularization. In addition, people who wear their contacts to bed on a regular basis have an increased risk of developing a painful eye inflammation called keratitis.

Effects

• Corneal neovascularization can make it difficult or impossible for the wearer to continue using contact lenses. People with this condition must switch to rigid gas-permeable lenses, wear glasses full-time or undergo laser eye surgery. Keratitis is caused by bacteria that grows under the contact lens. Severe infections lead to vision loss.

Prevention/Solution

• Contact an eye care practitioner and ask her to prescribe a lens that is safe for overnight use. According to Science Daily, silicone hydrogel lenses are five times safer for overnight wear than regular hydrogel lenses. Many other types of soft contact lenses are also approved for extended wear up to seven days.