How Sleeping with Contact Lenses Increases the Risk of Eye Infections

Hey, did you sleep with your contact lenses on last night? If so, you’re not alone. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that nearly a third of the 45 million Americans sleep with their contact lenses on each night. In doing so, however, those people are putting themselves at great risk for eye infections. During October, which is Contact Lens Safety Month, the CDC reminds wearers that failing to properly clean their lenses and sleeping with them inserted (unless prescribed by a doctor) are among the ways eyes can become a breeding ground for bacteria. The reason is that contact lenses limit the amount of oxygen that can get to the cornea, which is the clear window on the front of the eye. That lack of oxygen can cause the surface cells of the cornea, or epithelial cells, to deteriorate and die. If that happens, the cornea becomes vulnerable to infections and ulcers, including keratitis. And while these can be remedied with antibiotics, the treatment can result in a buildup of scar tissue that can permanently impair vision. Keep in mind that the risk of infection is significantly higher in people with extended-wear lenses compared to daily versions, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Daily removal and cleaning is still recommended.

So, while it may seem more convenient to sleep with your lenses in, the best way to avoid infection is to take them out each night and follow the simple safety guidelines associated with contacts. These include proper cleaning and storing, and removing them before showering and swimming –steps that more than 80 percent of lens wearers fail to follow, according to a recent CDC study. Other safety measures include:

• Always washing hands with soap and water before handling contact lenses.
• Avoid sharing contacts with others or using someone else’s lenses. Remember, contacts are medically prescribed items.
• Closing or covering your eyes when using aerosols such as hair spray or deodorant.
• Using water-soluble cosmetics or those labeled safe for use with contacts.
• Inserting lenses before applying makeup and removing them before taking off makeup.
• Avoiding frosted and glittery eye shadows, many of which contain particles that can harm the eyes.
• Avoid waterproof mascara and eye makeup containing nylon or rayon fibers. These can flake off, get caught under the contact lens and scratch the cornea.
• Visit your optometrist or ophthalmologist annually to check for possible prescription changes or eye infections.