Is It Really That Bad to Sleep or Shower In Contact Lenses?
Is it safe to wear contact lenses while showering or sleeping?
No. It's absolutely not safe to wear contacts while immersed in water or when sleeping (unless you have contacts specifically intended for overnight wear).
Sleeping in your contact lenses can dry out your eyes and potentially harm your vision as a result of infection. Contact lenses should also be kept away from water as it's a natural breeding ground for bacteria and microorganisms, which can get trapped under the contact lens, putting you at risk of a waterborne eye infection.
Why Does Sleeping in Contacts Increase the Risk of Infection?
To stay healthy, your corneas require hydration and oxygen. Blinking keeps your eyes wet, and the tears you produce allow oxygen to enter your eyes.
Sleeping in standard contacts limits the amount of oxygen and hydration that reach your eyes. As a result, your corneas are more dry and susceptible to corneal abrasion, and they have a harder time fighting bacteria, causing your eyes to be more prone to infection.
If, after sleeping in contact lenses, you experience blurred vision, discharge from your eyes, redness or watering, you may have an eye infection. Left untreated, infection can lead to corneal damage and, in extreme cases, loss of vision.
Risks of Showering While Wearing Contacts
Contact lens wearers are more likely to develop keratitis, an inflammation of the cornea, if their lenses come into contact with water. Left untreated, keratitis can cause vision loss. Microorganisms that cause these infections can be found in rivers, lakes, showers, tap water, pools or jacuzzis.
Furthermore, contact lenses can stick to your eye when exposed to water, potentially leading to corneal abrasions. These scratches may enable microorganisms in non-sterile water to penetrate the cornea and cause an infection.
Eye Care Tips for Contact Lens Wearers
- Avoid water while wearing contacts. Remove your contacts before showering, bathing, or swimming.
- Don't sleep in your contacts unless they are specifically approved for overnight wear.
- Always wash and dry your hands thoroughly before touching your contacts.
- Follow product instructions for cleaning and disinfecting your contacts.
- Store contacts properly in fresh contact lens solution. Never reuse old solution.
- Wear contacts for the proper length of time and avoid wearing them longer than recommended.
If you experience symptoms like eye pain, discharge, or sensitivity to light, immediately remove your lenses and consult Eyecare Professionals of Gahanna in Gahanna without delay.
Q&A
Who can wear contact lenses? Almost everyone can wear contact lenses, no matter their age, prescription or lifestyle.
What if I accidentally fall asleep with my contacts? If you fall asleep with your contacts on, you may wake up with them attached to your eye's surface. If they don't come out easily, blink and apply lens drops until the surface of your eye is moist. That should make it easier to remove the lenses.