Sleeping With Your Contact Lenses – Yes or No?
There is no question that contact lenses have revolutionized the vision industry. There are so many types of contact lenses available. And recently, there have been advancements in contact lenses for people who suffer from astigmatism. Some contacts are intended for daily disposal while others can be used for an extended period of time. But at some point, most regular contact wearers have fallen asleep in their contacts. So, we beg the question: Is sleeping with your contact lenses in advised?
The Contact Lens and The Eye
Contact lenses are safe and do not cause automatic harm to your body. But, regardless you must remember that you are introducing a foreign object into your body. Whether it is a drug, food, or even contact lenses your body has to go through an adjustment period. And for this reason, contacts are considered to be a “drug” according to the Food and Drug Administration.
In addition to contact lenses, which is a foreign object, you are probably using a solution to clean them. There are chemicals in the contact solution that cleans your contacts, which you then put into your eye. Adding those substances can potentially cause some damage to your eyes over a long period of usage. Think about it. The liquid in your eyes (also known as tears) has specific pH acidity. The contact lens solution’s pH acidity is different from your eyes. That is why the eye tears up when putting in contact lenses because it is trying to wash out the solution as the body instinctively knows it does not belong there.
The Cornea
The cornea’s function is to control and focus light that comes into the eye. When the eye blinks, it wipes moisture across the cornea so you can see clearly. This is because when air hits the cornea it becomes irritated, and the body’s natural reaction is to re-lubricate the eye. When we sleep, the cornea loses oxygen, and oxygen is needed to keep the cornea healthy. But, when you wear contact lenses to sleep, oxygen is limited because of the barrier created between the cornea and the oxygen. This can lead to hypoxia. This is when oxygen is deprived in a certain area of the body.
When you sleep in your contacts there is also a chance of infection due to bacteria on the contact. There is also the chance of cutting your cornea or another part of your eye if you tear your contact in your sleep from rubbing your eye. There is no question that sleeping with your contact lenses can increase your chances of serious eye health risk.
Should You Be Sleeping With Your Contact Lenses In?
So, the simple answer is that you can sleep in your contacts, but why take the chance of causing damage? If you have questions about your vision or contact lenses, contact Looking Glass Optical. Our team is here to answer all of your questions. Make an appointment today for a comprehensive eye exam.
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