Sleeping in Contact Lenses can give rise to Dangerous Eye Infections

KARACHI-  Assistant Professor at University of New Mexico, United States of America, Mr Jon Femling, alongside other scientists have warned against wearing contact lenses while sleeping, as that can cause serious eye infections, ultimately resulting in blindness.

“Falling asleep or even napping, without removing your contact lenses can significantly increase the likelihood of serious health problems,” stated Assistant Prof. Femling.

He also discussed various cases where patients suffered with serious eye infections due to prolonged wearing of contact lenses.

In one case, a man was evaluated for redness in eyes and blurry vision, and upon investigation was reported to be sleeping in contact lenses, approximately 3 - 4 nights per week and also reportedly swam while wearing them.

He was then and diagnosed and treated for bacterial and fungal microbial keratitis.

Another case outlined the condition of an adolescent girl who slept in her lenses, that were purchased without a prescription from a chain drug store. She developed a corneal ulcer that resulted in scarring.