What Happens When You Sleep With Contacts On?

Some people find contact lenses to be a convenient alternative to wearing glasses. However, research shows that wearing contact lenses for long periods of time can be harmful to the eyes, especially if they are worn while sleeping.

Effects

• Falling asleep with your contacts on prevents tears from carrying an adequate amount of oxygen to the cornea (the clear surface of the eye). The cornea protects the eye from harmful particles. Without this oxygen, the lenses become dry and adhere to the eyes, making removal difficult.

Infections

• Aside from dry eyes, sleeping with contact lenses on can also cause serious corneal infections. These infections include corneal ulcers (unprotected lacerations), keratitis (inflammation of the cornea) and neovascularization (excessive growth of blood vessels into the cornea).

Symptoms

• Symptoms of these conditions are pain, red eyes (also called pink eye), blurred vision, itchy eyes, discharge, sensitivity to light, tears and swelling. If any of these symptoms occur, seek medical attention immediately. Reduction in vision and even blindness can occur if left untreated.