Ask Dr. Klute | Why is it bad to sleep in contact lenses?
Ask Dr. Klute | Why is it bad to sleep in contact lenses?
Are you ready to be shocked by an unexpected response?
It is not always bad to sleep in your contact lenses. It is only bad when the lenses you are wearing are not made for you to sleep in them.
There is one soft contact lens that is FDA approved for overnight, continuous wear. It is super breathable and allows enough oxygen to transfer through the lens to the eye.
If you are wearing lenses that are not approved for sleeping, the combination of the lens on the eye and the closed lid can cause oxygen deprivation to the tissue, potentially damaging the eye and leaving it vulnerable to infection and inflammation. This is bad.
In addition to FDA-approved contact lenses, we prescribe special hard lenses that patients wear at night and remove in the morning to alter the curvature of the cornea (called orthokeratology). Amazingly, patients are able to see well during the day, glasses and contact lenses free!
Finally, some soft contact lenses are worn at night temporarily to treat certain infections and conditions of the cornea. Under doctor supervision, these lenses are usually prescribed for 1-2 weeks until the condition resolves.
So yes, it is bad to sleep in your lenses unless you are instructed to do so by your eye doctor.
Contact us for consultation or if you have questions about your contacts. Call 402.697.5122 or schedule an appointment at GoodLifeEyecare.com