HomeAnswersOphthalmology (Eye Care)redness in eyesCan I sleep with contact lenses in the eyes?

I sleep with contact lenses in my eyes. Will this affect my vision?

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Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At August 28, 2015
Reviewed AtJanuary 20, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am 16 years old, and I wear contact lenses. I have never really taken them off. I would sleep with the contact lenses in my eyes and I have started wearing them since I was 13 years old. I would change them, but I would not take them off, and I would go days. My vision gets worse when I go to the eye doctor, but I have not had problems with infections. Recently I noticed that my left eye is red without pain or irritation, but red as the color of the pink eye. I do not know if it is the contact lenses which is causing the redness. Please help.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

It can be an infection, but one thing you must remember is contact lenses should ideally be used 8 to 10 hours a day.

If you wear during sleep and for more than 10 hours a day, there is a possibility of the eyes developing infection and transparency of cornea getting decreased over a long time.

You must stop wearing contact lenses till your eyes are clear. Start wearing spectacles.

The Probable causes

Contact lenses related bacterial conjunctivitis or corneal hypoxia.

Investigations to be done

Detailed slit lamp examination.

Treatment plan

Start using antibiotic eye drops and artificial tears eye drops.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Anand Yattinamani
Dr. Anand Yattinamani

Ophthalmology (Eye Care)

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