Should I wear my contact lenses overnight?
February 28, 2024 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Tobias Helbig
Dear ophthalmologist,
My name is Lucas Seiler and I have been wearing contact lenses for some time now. Lately, I have heard more often that it can be harmful to wear contact lenses overnight. I am now wondering if it is indeed harmful to wear my contact lenses overnight and what effects it could have on my eyes.
I usually wear my contact lenses during the day, but sometimes I am so tired in the evenings that I fall asleep without taking my contact lenses out. I am worried that this could damage my eyes in the long run. I have heard that wearing contact lenses overnight can increase the risk of infections and also lead to dry eyes.
My eyes are very important to me and I want to make sure that I care for and protect them properly. Therefore, I would like to know if it is better to take out my contact lenses overnight or if it is acceptable to wear them under certain circumstances. Are there specific types of contact lenses that are better suited for overnight wear? Or are there special care products that can reduce the risk of infections?
I would greatly appreciate your expertise and recommendations on this topic to ensure that I protect my eyes to the best of my ability. Thank you in advance for your help.
Sincerely,
Lucas Seiler
Dear Mr. Seiler,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding wearing contact lenses overnight. It is very important that you take care of the health of your eyes and educate yourself about potential risks.
First and foremost, I would like to emphasize that it can indeed be harmful to wear contact lenses overnight. Contact lenses are designed to be worn during the day and removed at night to allow the eyes to rest. Wearing contact lenses overnight can significantly increase the risk of infections, as the lenses impair the eye's oxygen supply and provide a better environment for bacteria to multiply.
Furthermore, wearing contact lenses overnight can lead to dry eyes. During sleep, the eyes produce less tears, which can cause the contact lenses to adhere to the eyes and cause irritation. Dry eyes can result in symptoms such as redness, burning, itching, and increased sensitivity to light.
Therefore, it is very important to remove the contact lenses before going to bed and properly clean and disinfect them. There are special care products that can help reduce the risk of infections and maintain the contact lenses properly. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and regularly replace the contact lenses to ensure the health of your eyes.
Regarding the question of whether there are certain types of contact lenses that are better suited for overnight wear, I can say that there are special contact lenses designed for extended wear, meaning wearing them overnight. These contact lenses are typically made of special materials that offer better oxygen permeability and reduce the risk of complications. However, it is important to consult with your eye doctor before wearing contact lenses overnight to ensure that it is suitable for your eyes.
In conclusion, I want to emphasize how important it is to protect the health of your eyes. Please remove your contact lenses before going to bed and take care of your eyes accordingly. If you have any further questions or need assistance, I am at your disposal.
Best regards,
Tobias Helbig, Ophthalmologist
