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Around one-third of people who wear contacts fall asleep with their lenses on. And, most of them wake up with nothing more than a little bit of dryness which goes away after putting on eye drops.
What’s more, some lenses are approved by the FDA for sleep.
However, according to the CDC, it’s not safe to sleep with the lenses in. This is due to the higher risk (six to eight times more) of getting an eye infection.
Unfortunately, the more severe eye infections can cause corneal damage, surgery, and in some cases even lead to loss of vision. These infections may happen no matter why you’re wearing the lenses (for vision correction or for decorative purposes).
Who Is at a Risk of an Infection Due to Wearing Lenses at Night?
Researchers emphasize that everyone’s at risk.
According to studies, approximately 85 percent of teens who wear contact lenses, 81 percent of young adults who wear contact lenses, and 88 percent of older wearers do at least one thing that increases their risk of an eye infection.
The most common risky behavior of all the groups is sleeping or taking naps with the lenses in.
The corneas come into contact with a variety of bacteria on a daily basis; however, infections don’t happen often. This is due to the fact that when the cornea is healthy, it helps protect the eye from contaminants.
But, to function optimally, it needs oxygen and hydration. When we’re awake, the blinking helps moisturize the eyes and oxygen can flow through the tears the eye produces.
The contacts go over the surface of the eye and thus lower the oxygen and moisture access.
When we sleep, this lowers additionally. Without proper oxygen, the cornea’s cells can’t fight against bacteria adequately.
Top Reasons to Stop Wearing Lenses at Night
A. keratitis
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