Hey, lovely readers! How many times have you been so exhausted that you accidentally dozed off wearing your contacts? Or perhaps you’ve hopped in the shower, forgetting those clear discs were still nestled in your eyes. You’re not alone; a staggering 99% of contact lens users have been in your shoes, according to a 2014 CDC survey.
But here’s the catch: While it might seem harmless (after all, everybody’s doing it, right?), sleeping or showering with contacts is a risky business for your eye health. Let’s dive into why!
Sleeping Beauties, Beware: 3 Potential Consequences of Not Taking a Break From Contacts
- Wakey-Wakey, Dry Eyes! If you’ve ever experienced that gritty, Sahara-like dryness post-nap with contacts, you know it’s far from fun. Contacts can make your eyes feel irritated, red, and scratchy. Fortunately, these symptoms often fade once you ditch the lenses.
- Blurry Visions and Breathless Corneas Did you know your cornea needs to breathe? Constant contact (pun intended) deprives your cornea of oxygen, causing hypoxia. The result? A puffy cornea and hazy vision. And, there’s potential for cell damage. Yes, some lenses are designed for overnight use, but even these have risks. Why gamble with infections or corneal ulcers?
- Bacteria’s Slumber Party When you sleep in contact, they might soak up and spread bacteria. This tiny plastic on your eyes can create minuscule openings, making your cornea an inviting party venue for bacteria, possibly causing infections like keratitis. While many are treatable, some have frightening outcomes like vision loss or needing a cornea transplant.
Shower Power? Think Again!
Water and contacts aren’t besties. Exposing your contacts to tap water welcomes unwanted microorganisms. Particularly alarming is acanthamoeba, a sneaky little amoeba leading to severe eye infections. With treatment resistance and potential blindness as outcomes, it’s a scenario we’d all want to avoid.
Oops! Slept or Showered in Contacts? Don’t Panic. Here’s the Plan:
- Quench the Thirst: Start with a lubricating eye drop to combat dryness.
- Pop ‘Em Out: Carefully remove the lenses.
- Clean or Toss: Depending on your lens type, either clean them or replace with a fresh pair.
And, if you find yourself regularly drifting into dreamland with contacts on, it might be time for a chat with your eye doc.
Better Safe Than Sorry: The Lens Lowdown
So, how risky is it to consistently wear your contacts? While many people never face issues, the potential hazards – from infections to vision loss – are undeniably daunting. Why risk it when removing them only takes a jiffy?
Crystal Clear Contact Care Tips:
- Clean Hands, Clear Vision: Always start with squeaky-clean hands.
- Case in Point: Renew your contact case every few months.
- Say No to H2O: Use solution, never tap water. And saliva? Just don’t!
- Fresh Solution, Fresh Vision: Don’t reuse old solutions. Keep it fresh!
- Timely Replacement: Stick to your lens replacement schedule. Your eyes will thank you.
Always remember, contact lenses might be magical little inventions, but they also require TLC. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. Keep those peepers healthy and happy!
