Actor Tori Spelling recently made headlines when she shared a photo of herself wearing an eye patch on social media. The reason behind her eye patch was a corneal ulcer in her left eye, which she revealed on her podcast with Jennie Garth. Spelling admitted that her contact lens habits were not up to par, as she often wore them for much longer than recommended. She joked about wearing them for weeks on end, even up to 20 days at a time. This negligence on her part led to the development of a corneal ulcer, which she acknowledged could have been prevented if she had followed proper contact lens hygiene practices.
Spelling’s case serves as a cautionary tale for the one-third of people who wear contact lenses and may have fallen asleep with them in, like she did. The risks of sleeping or napping in contact lenses, even if they are labeled as “extended wear,” are significant. Serious eye infections can occur, with 1 out of 500 contact lens wearers experiencing complications each year. The lack of oxygen reaching the eyes when contact lenses are worn during sleep can lead to severe dry eyes, inflammation, ulcers, and even vision loss.
Arvind Saini, a clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology, emphasized the dangers of sleeping in contact lenses, stating that the lack of oxygen and moisture during sleep creates an environment conducive to bacterial growth. The protective tear layer that coats the surface of the eye is not replenished when the eyes are closed, increasing the risk of infections. While some newer contact lenses may be advertised as suitable for extended wear, experts recommend taking them out at night to allow the eyes to breathe and reduce the risk of damage to the cornea.
A corneal ulcer, also known as keratitis, is a vision-threatening infection that can result from wearing contact lenses for extended periods, especially during sleep. Symptoms include eye pain, blurry vision, and sensitivity to light, and the condition requires prompt treatment with antibiotics, antiviral, or antifungal drops. While some symptoms may overlap with pink eye, a corneal ulcer affects the surface of the eye and can lead to vision impairment if left untreated.
To reduce the risk of eye infections by 60 to 70%, experts advise against sleeping in contact lenses. Proper contact lens hygiene practices are essential to maintaining eye health and preventing complications. Washing hands before and after handling contact lenses, cleaning or replacing lens cases regularly, and removing lenses before swimming or showering are crucial steps in minimizing the risk of infections. Additionally, it is important to follow the instructions provided with your contact lenses and seek prompt medical attention if any discomfort or changes in vision occur.
The Dangers of Sleeping in Contacts
The case of Tori Spelling highlights the dangers of sleeping in contact lenses, especially when worn for extended periods. While some contact lenses may be marketed as suitable for extended wear, experts caution against sleeping in them due to the increased risk of eye infections and complications. The lack of oxygen and moisture reaching the eyes during sleep can lead to dry eyes, inflammation, ulcers, and vision loss.
According to Arvind Saini, sleeping in contact lenses creates an environment where bacteria can thrive, as the protective tear layer that coats the surface of the eye is not replenished. This can result in serious infections that may require medical intervention to prevent long-lasting damage. While some contact lenses may offer increased oxygen permeability, experts recommend removing them at night to allow the eyes to breathe and reduce the risk of corneal damage.
Preventing Eye Infections and Complications
Proper contact lens hygiene is crucial in preventing eye infections and complications associated with wearing contact lenses. Washing hands before and after handling lenses, cleaning or replacing lens cases regularly, and removing lenses before swimming or showering are essential steps in maintaining eye health. Following the instructions provided with your contact lenses and seeking prompt medical attention if any discomfort or changes in vision occur are important practices to reduce the risk of infections.
Robert C. Layman, the immediate past president of the American Optometric Association, emphasizes the importance of following proper care instructions for contact lenses to prevent long-lasting damage to the eyes. Common mistakes, such as failing to clean and store lenses as directed by a doctor of optometry, can increase the risk of infections and complications. By adhering to recommended practices and seeking regular eye exams, contact lens wearers can reduce the likelihood of developing serious eye conditions.
Tips for Contact Lens Wearers
Contact lens wearers should be aware of the dos and don’ts of wearing and caring for their lenses to maintain eye health and prevent complications. Washing hands before and after handling lenses, cleaning or replacing lens cases regularly, and removing lenses before swimming or showering are important practices to minimize the risk of infections. Additionally, following the instructions provided with your contact lenses and seeking prompt medical attention if any discomfort or changes in vision occur can help prevent eye complications.
According to Arvind Saini, contact lenses should not be worn for longer than 14 to 16 hours at a time, and sleeping in them should be avoided to reduce the risk of eye infections. Contact lenses that are not approved for continuous overnight use can deprive the eyes of oxygen and increase the likelihood of vision damage. By following proper care instructions and avoiding common mistakes, contact lens wearers can protect their eyes and maintain good eye health for years to come.
In conclusion, proper contact lens hygiene is essential in preventing eye infections and complications associated with wearing contact lenses. By following recommended practices, such as washing hands before and after handling lenses, cleaning or replacing lens cases regularly, and seeking prompt medical attention if any discomfort or changes in vision occur, contact lens wearers can reduce the risk of serious eye conditions. Tori Spelling’s experience serves as a reminder of the importance of proper contact lens care and the potential consequences of neglecting eye health.
