Is it safe to wear contact lenses while showering or sleeping?

No. It's absolutely not safe to wear contacts while immersed in water or when sleeping (unless you have contacts specifically intended for overnight wear).

Sleeping in your contact lenses can dry out your eyes and potentially harm your vision as a result of infection. Contact lenses should also be kept away from water as it's a natural breeding ground for bacteria and microorganisms, which can get trapped under the contact lens.

Why Does Sleeping in Contacts Increase the Risk of Infection?

To stay healthy, your corneas require hydration and oxygen. Sleeping in standard contacts limits the amount of oxygen and hydration that reach your eyes. As a result, your corneas are more dry and susceptible to corneal abrasion, and they have a harder time fighting bacteria.

If, after sleeping in contact lenses, you experience blurred vision, discharge from your eyes, redness or watering, you may have an eye infection. Left untreated, infection can lead to corneal damage and, in extreme cases, loss of vision.

What are the Risks of Showering While Wearing Contacts?

Contact lens wearers are more likely to develop keratitis, an inflammation of the cornea, if their lenses come into contact with water. Left untreated, keratitis can cause vision loss.

In microbial keratitis, microorganisms invade the cornea and cause an infection of the eye. The microorganisms that cause these infections can be found in rivers, lakes, streams, showers, tap water, pools, and jacuzzis.

Eye Care Tips for Contact Lens Wearers

• Avoid water while wearing contacts — remove your contacts before showering, bathing, or swimming.
• Don't sleep in your contacts unless they are approved for overnight wear.
• Use clean hands — always wash your hands and dry them thoroughly before touching your contacts.
• Store contacts properly in fresh contact lens solution. Never reuse old solution.
• Wear contacts for the proper length of time.

Remove those lenses before going to bed and showering. If you experience symptoms like eye pain, discharge, or sensitivity to light, immediately remove your lenses and consult Optique Family Vision Care in Springfield without delay.