It's natural if you want to just go to sleep after a long day of activity. However, no matter how long you are, never forget to remove contact lenses before going to bed. One or two forget or lazy to take it off may not be too problematic. If you have often slept using contact lenses can harm your eyes, you know!
What is the danger of sleeping using contact lenses?
Be careful, sleeping with contact lenses overnight can hurt your eyes. Instead of being used to sleep overnight, just wearing contact lenses can make you risk 7 times higher in experiencing inflammation of the cornea (keratitis).
Even though there are currently contact lens types that can be used for days (including during sleep), most eye doctors still require you to take them off before going to bed. The various dangers of sleeping using contact lenses are:
1. Red eye (conjunctivitis)
Don't be surprised if your eyes are red in the morning after staying up all night wearing contact lenses. Red eye aka conjunctivitis is one of the most common eye problems experienced by contact lens wearers. The reason is, contact lenses can stimulate bacteria to enter to cause infection in the eye conjunctiva (a thin layer that lines the white area of the eye).
Doctors will usually give eye drops that contain antibiotics to relieve symptoms. You may also be advised to stop wearing contact lenses for a while, at least until the infection of the eye is reduced.
2. Eyes become sensitive
The cornea needs oxygen to maintain moisture and prevent infection in the eye.
However, the habit of sleeping with overnight contact lenses can actually block oxygen to the cornea and make it sensitive, as Dr. Rebecca Taylor, M.D., an ophthalmologist and spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), told the Huffington Post.
As a result, this condition can trigger the growth of new blood vessels in the cornea and cause inflammation. The fatal impact, you may no longer be able to wear contact lenses even though this has been treated thoroughly.
3. Acute red eye
People who have a habit of sleeping using contact lenses can experience CLARE or Contact Lens Acute Red Eye. CLARE is an acute red eye infection due to accumulation of poisons produced by bacteria in the eye. This results in eye pain, red eyes, and sensitivity to light.
4. Ulcer or wound to the eye
It is dangerous to wear contact lenses for long, especially when sleeping, it turns out it's not just causing red eyes. Friction between contact lenses and the eye surface can injure the eye and is susceptible to infection by bacteria or parasites.
The entry of the acanthamoeba bacteria, for example, can cause ulcers or open sores on the corneal lining. If not treated immediately, this can increase the risk of permanent blindness, even requiring corneal graft surgery to treat it.
The initial symptoms of injury to the eye include red eyes, blurred vision, and eye pain. If you experience it, immediately consult the nearest ophthalmologist to prevent it from getting worse.
5. Lumps in the eye
Giant papillary conjunctivities (GPC) is a condition commonly found in people who have the habit of sleeping using contact lenses. This is indicated by the appearance of a lump inside the upper eyelid and makes you unable to wear contact lenses.
What must be done immediately when sleeping using contact lenses
The first step you should do when you accidentally sleep using contact lenses is to release it as soon as possible. After that, you should avoid using contact lenses the next day and replace them with glasses to calm your cornea.
Let your eyes "breathe" and moisturize themselves first to relieve an infection that might occur. You can also use eye drops to help moisturize your irritated eyes.
What's more, don't forget to check your eyes regularly with the nearest ophthalmologist. Your doctor may suggest other types of contact lenses that are suitable for your eye health.
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