Why You Should Not Wear Contact Lens While Sleeping? 5 Dos and Don’ts

One should never sleep with contact lens on. It may impact the eye health and here are few dos and don’ts of wearing it.

Contact lens do provide the ease of not wearing spectacles every wear.  For some, it might as well boost a little confidence too. However, there is a rulebook when it come to lens that one must follow. Eyes help us see the world. These are very sensitive and when must take utmost precaution while wearing and taking off lens. Recently, Indian TV actress Jasmine Bhasin suffered with corneal damage after wearing contact lens. The case further shed light on the importance of contact lens hygiene.

One of the most important things to remember is to never sleep with contact lens on.

What Happens When You Sleep With Contact Lens?

Sleeping with contact lens can be very dangerous for the eyes. When the eye remains close, the lens and eyes do not get sufficient oxygen. This further could lead to infection or other eye health complications.

This oxygen deprivation can lead to a condition called corneal edema, where the cornea becomes swollen and inflamed. Over time, this can damage the corneal tissue and impair vision. Additionally, sleeping in contacts allows bacteria and other microorganisms to multiply on the lens surface, which can lead to infectious keratitis, a potentially sight-threatening eye infection.

5 Dos and Don’ts of Contact Lens Wear

Dos:

1. Remove your contact lenses before sleeping: Make it a habit to always remove your contacts before going to bed, even if you plan to take a short nap. Giving your eyes a break from the lenses is essential for maintaining eye health.
2. Clean and store your lenses properly: Carefully follow the cleaning and disinfection instructions provided by your eye care professional or the lens manufacturer. Proper lens care reduces the risk of bacterial growth and eye infections.
3. Maintain lens hygiene: Always wash your hands before using contact lens. Ensure that the lens are kept in a hygienic way. Wash them and moisturise them, regularly.
4.  Attend regular eye exams: Visit your optometrist or ophthalmologist for routine check-ups and fittings to ensure your contact lenses are still a good match for your eyes.
5. Listen to your eyes: If you experience any discomfort, redness, or vision changes while wearing contacts, remove them immediately and consult your eye care provider.

Don’ts:

1.  Don’t sleep in your contacts: As mentioned, sleeping in contact lenses can lead to serious eye health issues, so it’s essential to never do this, even if the lenses are labeled with something to the meaning ‘extended wear.’
2.  Don’t use expired or damaged lenses: Check the expiration date on your contact lens packaging and discard any lenses that are past their recommended use.
3. Don’t swim or shower : Water can harbour harmful microorganisms that can cause eye infections when introduced to the eye through contact lenses.
4. Don’t share your contacts with others: Contact lenses are a personal item and should never be shared, as this increases the risk of spreading infections.
5. Don’t neglect lens case hygiene: Regularly clean and replace your contact lens case according to the manufacturer’s instructions to prevent bacterial growth.

By following these dos and don’ts, one can enjoy the convenience of contact lenses while prioritising the health and safety of your eyes. Remember, taking the time to properly care for your contacts is a small investment that can pay off with years of comfortable, clear vision.