Sleeping and Showering with Contact Lenses: Can It Be Done?

Contact lens wearers may have sometimes forgotten about them and went to sleep or slipped into the shower without taking them off.

If this happens sporadically it is not necessary to worry, but it is important to know that it is not a positive practice, and that if repeated often it could lead to discomfort or further damage to the eyes and vision, more or less serious.

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When lenses are worn, not many tears are produced and this prevents the cornea from receiving the oxygen it needs. This deprivation takes the proper name of hypoxia and causes the cornea to swell and vision to cloud. to be underestimated because it can lead to cell damage inside the eye.

Infections

The risk of eye infection can increase by as much as 6-8 times if you sleep with contact lenses.

This is because sleeping with contact lenses creates a dry, non-oxygenated environment in the eye that facilitates the absorption and spread of bacteria, which if they reach the cornea can cause corneal ulcers and an infection known as keratitis.

It usually occurs in a mild form and can be resolved with a therapy based on a certain type of eye drops, but in severe cases it can also cause scarring on the cornea or loss of vision.

The most common symptoms of an "eye infection are sensitivity to light, pain and red eyes. In case you notice them, the first step is to remove the contact lenses but if the symptoms persist it is essential to go to a doctor as soon as possible. ophthalmologist.

unwanted bacteria, amoebas and fungi, present in the water you use for washing.

When the contact lens is hit by water, it can change shape and stick to the eye, causing minor scratches and damage to the cornea that offer these microbes an entry point.

The most dangerous microorganism contained in the water is the acanthomeba, an amoeba that can cause a very serious eye infection, resistant to most treatments and which in very severe cases can even lead to blindness.

lubricant (also known as artificial tears), let a few minutes pass and remove the lenses.

If you have reason to think that an infection is in progress, contact your ophthalmologist, remembering to take the removed lenses with you, so that you can identify any responsible bacteria on them.

with soap and water before putting them on or removing them from the eyes.

Replace them carefully following the instructions and timing on the package.

Use a solution and never tap water to clean them, because bacteria are often present in it. Also avoid wetting them with saliva, which could be contaminated by bacteria potentially present inside the mouth.

Do not save on the amount of sanitizing solution in which to immerse the lenses but, on the contrary, use as much as necessary to make them suitable for the next application.

Do not exceed the times of use. If you wear daily contact lenses, remember to always take them off at the end of the day. Likewise, if you prefer two-week lenses, never wear them for the third in a row. As these tools age, they get dirty and damaged, increasing the risk of generating a potential problem or infection.