When it comes to vision improvement, contact lenses are an effective and convenient solution. However, you must care for your eyes properly to prevent your contacts from causing potential issues. Here are a few problems that can occur if you sleep in contacts.

Why You Should Never Wear Contact Lenses to Bed

1. Dryness

Eye dryness is an uncomfortable sensation that can be worsened when you wear your lenses at night. Your cornea, which is the outer layer of the eye, must receive a good flow of oxygen to remain hydrated. Contacts impede oxygen flow to this area, so it's important to give your eyes a break during the day. Many people who wear lenses at night complain of an exceedingly dry feeling in the morning, which can also be accompanied by redness and swelling. 

2. Corneal Damage

Good nighttime eye care habits can also stop more serious corneal issues from occurring. If the lens tears in the night while you're sleeping, you may develop a corneal abrasion. These injuries are very uncomfortable and can also cause symptoms like blurriness and sensitivity to light. A corneal abrasion requires immediate treatment by an eye doctor to avoid more serious effects. 

3. Irritation

While less serious than the above conditions, sleeping in lenses does contribute to eye irritation. Excessive dryness can make it more difficult to remove the lenses in the morning, and your eyes are likely to feel inflamed and irritated. Keep in mind that these effects can still occur when wearing lenses advertised for overnight use, which is why eye doctors advise against them. 

4. Infections

Sleeping in contacts also increases your risk of developing an infection. Contact lenses can harbor all sorts of substances, such as bacteria and fungus. When introduced to the eye, these substances can cause significant redness, excessive tearing, and discomfort. In addition to taking lenses out each night, you must clean them in the correct manner to remove any potential contaminants. 

An eye care specialist can provide more information on the correct care and upkeep of your contact lenses. In Montgomery, OH, Eye Care Optical has provided quality services for over 40 years. They use comprehensive eye exams to develop your precise prescription. From there, they can help you choose a fashionable pair of eye glasses or perform a contact lens fitting. You'll love their wide selection of products, as well as the friendly demeanor of the staff. Schedule an eye exam today by calling (513) 731-6587. You can also visit the website to learn more about their services.