Contact lenses are a very helpful tool for people with vision problems who don’t like to wear glasses.  When properly fit, they are usually safe to wear all day. However, wearing your contacts while sleeping poses serious risks to your eye health and may lead to permanent vision loss. West Valley Vision Center in Fairbanks, AK, says you should prioritize your eye health, and they want to make you aware of the dangers of not taking your contact lenses out at night.

3 Risks Of Wearing Contact Lenses While Sleeping

1. Corneal Abnormalities

Contact lenses can prevent the eyes from getting the oxygen they need, which can result in corneal neovascularization, an abnormal growth of blood vessels in the cornea. If the condition becomes severe, you might have to stop wearing contact lenses. Additionally, lack of oxygen to the cornea can damage the endothelium and cause edema.  This will also require a patient to discontinue contact lens wear.

2. Infection

Wearing contacts for an extended period increases your risk of developing infections like bacterial keratitis, fungal keratitis, and herpetic keratitis. These infections vary in severity, but fungal keratitis, and herpetic keratitis can be particularly severe, even causing blindness.

3. Contact Lens Acute Red Eye

Contact lens acute red eye (CLARE) is characterized by redness and sensitivity. Severe cases often are uncomfortable or even painful. If you sleep in your contact lenses, it will probably hurt to open your eyes in the morning because of CLARE, which can last all day.  

The most serious side effect of sleeping in contact lenses is the risk of a corneal ulcer, which can cause blindness. To reduce your risk of developing these conditions, take your lenses out before going to bed each night and visit your Optometrist for regular eye exams.

If you need an eye doctor in Fairbanks, AK, turn to West Valley Vision Center. You can visit their website to learn more about  eye exams and fittings for contact lenses and glasses, Call (907) 479-4700 to make an appointment.