I accidentally fell asleep with my contacts on?

Question

I know that if you do that often, you can get ulcers... I got home last night and went to straight, completely forgetting I had them on... Just one time shouldn't harm me, right?

Answer 1

no, once shouldn't hurt you, they may feel a little weird today though...just don't lose one in your eye, that really sucks....anyway, just the one time won't hurt, just don't make a habit out of it....they do have contacts you can buy that are meant for that, you leave them in for a week at time, then throw them away, maybe you should consider those!

Answer 2

Dont worry about it most of the contact lenses are extended wear so there is no need to panic.. I sleep with my contact lenses almost all the time. Nothing happended to me.. U'll be ok..

Answer 3

You will be fine. Although I know that your not supposed to leave them in, I sleep in mine all the time.

Answer 4

Don't worry. Most modern contacts are made to handle abuse and also deliver less abuse to your eyes. Once in a blue moon, it will not harm you. But then again, that depends on what end result you are concerned about.

1. Simple physical friction on eyes: Will not be a problem if you accidentally left the lenses in for a night.

2. Moisture depletion to eyes: Again, not by a one-night slip.

3. Oxygen depletion to eyes: This is much more important than the, above two. Even with modern oxygen-permeable (meaning it allows oxygen to pass through) lenses, with your eyes closed for say 8 hrs we are creating a less than perfect oxygen permeable environment. Not good. Less oxygen leads to less cellular activity. Less cellular activity leads to less capacity for your eye surface cells to regenerate and repair itself. Don't get scared. You haven't hurt your eyes yet. But, I would hate for the above to happen even during a short time period. Wouldn't you?

4. Contact lens acute red eye (CLARE) & bacterial keratitis: Caused by bacterial infection from contact lens exposure. This, as opposed to everything else listed above doesn't take  much for somebody to contract. Its like a Russian roulette. When it happens, and your eye is right there, it happens. That mixed with the depleted oxygen environment and the resulting reduced ability of the cells in ones eyes, just increases the chance of contracting an infection, if bacteria are present in the lens.

              Its similar to how one can fight infection when they well fed as opposed to when they are starving (nutrition, water and oxygen). The body goes into survival mode and starts prioritizing. And your immune system slips to the bottom of the priority list. You would think about filling your refrigerator before installing an alarm system in your house wouldn't you? Its similar to that.

Alright, I think I have scared you enough for one day :)

The bottom line is, YOU ARE FINE. But the above will keep you informed for future.

Take care :) :)

Answer 5

well, it isn't good, but one time wont do nothing. I mean it has same influence on eyes- like going bed with make-up on has a influence on your skin. One time- no dramatic changes, two times- something is going on. three times- you can see some results.

Answer 6

Not a problem as long as it isn't a habit.  Just take them out and clean them good.  Give your eyes a rest for a bit and you should be good as new.

Answer 7

You'll be ok.  I don't wear contacts but my buddy used to and he forgot to take em out all the time.  Don't worry about it.