Do you often sleep wearing contact lenses? here are 5 dangers

Naturally, if you just want to go to sleep after a tired day of activities. However, no matter how tired you are, never forget to remove your contact lenses before bed. One or two forgetting or lazy to take it off may not be too problematic. If you often sleep wearing contact lenses can harm your eyes, you know!

What are the dangers of sleeping with contact lenses?

Be careful, sleeping wearing contact lenses all night can injure your eyes. Let alone sleep all night, wearing contact lenses too long can put you at 7 times higher risk of developing inflammation of the cornea (keratitis).

Although nowadays there are types of contact lenses that can be used for days (including while sleeping), most eye doctors still require you to remove them before bed. The various dangers of sleeping wearing contact lenses are:

1. Red eye (conjunctivitis)

Don't be surprised if your eyes are red in the morning after a night of sleeping wearing contact lenses. Pink eye, aka conjunctivitis, is one of the most common eye problems experienced by contact lens wearers. This is because contact lenses can stimulate bacteria to enter and cause infection in the conjunctiva of the eye (the thin layer that covers the white area of ​​the eye).

The doctor will usually give eye drops containing antibiotics to relieve the symptoms. You may also be advised to stop wearing contact lenses for a while, at least until the eye infection clears up.

2. Eyes become sensitive

The cornea of ​​the eye needs oxygen to keep moisture and prevent infection of the eye.

However, sleeping wearing contact lenses overnight can actually block oxygen from getting to the cornea of ​​the eye and make it sensitive, as stated by Dr. Rebecca Taylor, M.D, an ophthalmologist and spokeswoman 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 completely.

3. Acute red eyes

People who have the habit of sleeping wearing contact lenses can experience CLARE or Contact Lens Acute Red Eye . CLARE is an acute pink eye infection caused by the buildup of toxins produced by bacteria in the eye. This results in sore eyes, red eyes, and sensitivity to light.

4. Ulcers or sores in the eye

The danger of wearing contact lenses over time, especially while sleeping, is not just causing red eyes. The friction between the contact lens and the surface of the eye can injure the eye and is susceptible to infection by bacteria or parasites.

The entry of acanthamoeba bacteria, for example, can cause ulcers or open sores in the lining of the cornea. If not treated promptly, this can increase the risk of permanent blindness, even requiring corneal graft surgery to treat it.

Early symptoms of eye sores include red eyes, blurred vision, and eye pain. If you experience it, immediately consult the nearest eye doctor 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 wearing contact lenses. This is characterized by the appearance of a lump in the upper eyelid and makes you no longer able to wear contact lenses.

What should be done immediately while sleeping wearing contact lenses

The first step you should take when you accidentally fall asleep wearing contact lenses is to remove them as soon as possible. After that, it's best to avoid wearing contact lenses the next day and replace them with glasses to soothe your corneas.

Let your eyes "breathe" and moisturize themselves first to relieve any possible infection. You can also use eye drops to help moisturize your irritated eyes.

Most importantly, don't forget to have your eyes checked regularly to the nearest eye doctor. Your doctor may suggest other types of contact lenses that are suitable for your eye health.