Sleeping with Contact Lenses Can Cause Eye Infections
Contact lenses are used to assist a someone’s vision. However, these lenses may not be used at all times, especially during sleep. But, fact is that some people forgets to take off their contact lenses when they sleep, some others fall asleep before they had time to take of their lenses. So what actually happens if someone wears contact lenses during sleep?
In general contact lenses are not designed for use throughout the night, so often doctors warn people to remove the contact lenses before sleeping.
If someone wears contact lenses when sleeping, then there is a possibility that the lenses could be a shelter for bacterias or could erode the eye that can cause infection. Infections that arises are generally characterized by pain in the eye, redness or swelling in the eyelid.
Some eye infections need immediate treatment to prevent damage which can not be cured and also blindness. There are some eye infections that may occur if someone wears contact lenses when sleeping, according to livestong.
Corneal ulcer
Based on a research by the University of Maryland Medical Center, sleeping with contact lenses could cause corneal scrape, this condition can then turn into a corneal ulcer. This can lead to bacterial, fungal or parasitic infections. The cornea is a transparent layer that protects the eye.
Symptoms of corneal ulcers are redness, sensitivity to light, swollen eyelids, watery eyes and sometimes there are white blockages in the eyelid.
Keratitis
Keratittis can be caused by long-term contact lens use and wearing contact lenses when sleeping one or more times. This condition occurs when the acanthamoeba parasite in contact lenses grows and spreads to the cornea. The symptoms are pain in the eyes, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, eye swelling, difficulty in opening eyes and feels there is something in the eye.
Papillary Conjunctivitis Allergic reactions
If contact lenses are not replaced regularly or frequently used overnight, then the eye could have developed allergies to the lens. Symptoms of papillary conjunctivitis allergic reaction includes feelings there is something in the eye, redness, swollen eyelids and sensitivity to light. If you experience these conditions you should immediately remove contact lenses and more often replace contact lenses.
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