Sleeping in contact lenses is a common cause of eye redness and discomfort. While many people use contact lenses for convenience and improved vision, improper use such as overnight wear can lead to significant eye problems.
What Causes Red Eyes After Sleeping in Contacts?
Contact lenses reduce the amount of oxygen that reaches the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye. When lenses are worn during sleep, oxygen transmission is further decreased because the eyelids are closed, limiting oxygen flow. This oxygen deprivation causes the cornea to become stressed and inflamed, leading to redness.
In addition to reduced oxygen, sleeping in contacts increases the risk of bacterial buildup and contamination on the lens surface. This can lead to irritation and infections that manifest as redness, pain, and discharge.
Mechanical irritation from lenses rubbing on the eyelids and cornea during sleep can also cause redness and swelling.
Effects of Oxygen Deprivation on the Eye
The cornea relies on oxygen from the air to stay healthy. Contact lenses, especially when overnight wear is not approved, create a barrier that limits oxygen delivery. Hypoxia, or oxygen deficiency, triggers a cellular stress response that causes blood vessels to dilate, producing redness and discomfort.
Prolonged oxygen deprivation can lead to complications such as corneal swelling, epithelial defects, and increased susceptibility to infection.
Infection Risks Associated with Sleeping in Contacts
Sleeping in contact lenses significantly raises the risk of eye infections, including bacterial keratitis. Pathogens can proliferate on the lens or between the lens and cornea when the lens is immersed in the closed eye environment all night.
Redness that develops with pain, discharge, light sensitivity, or vision changes after sleeping in lenses may indicate an infection and requires immediate medical evaluation.
Symptoms to Watch For
Redness after sleeping in contacts often occurs with mild discomfort, dryness, or irritation. If symptoms resolve quickly after removing the lenses and resting the eyes, it may be a mild inflammatory response.
More serious symptoms include persistent redness, eye pain, blurred vision, excessive tearing, discharge, or sensitivity to light. These signs suggest infection or corneal damage and warrant prompt care.
Importance of Proper Lens Wear and Hygiene
To reduce the risk of red eyes and complications, contact lenses should never be worn longer than recommended by the eye care provider. Most daily lenses are not approved for overnight wear, while some specialized lenses are designed for extended wear with regular monitoring.
Proper lens hygiene, including cleaning, storage, and replacement, prevents bacterial contamination that contributes to redness and infection.
Regular eye exams ensure the lenses fit well and are suitable for the wearer’s eyes.
What to Do if Redness Occurs
If redness appears after sleeping in contact lenses, remove the lenses immediately. Rinse the eyes with saline or artificial tears to soothe irritation. Avoid rubbing the eyes, which can worsen inflammation.
If redness persists or is accompanied by pain or vision changes, seek evaluation from an eye care professional promptly. Early treatment is essential to prevent serious complications.
Alternatives for People Needing Extended Wear
For individuals requiring longer wear times, speak to an eye doctor about lenses approved for extended or overnight use. These lenses allow more oxygen flow and have specialized materials to reduce risks.
Even with FDA-approved extended wear lenses, regular removal and cleaning as advised are necessary. Good compliance with eye care instructions minimizes redness and complications.