Many of those who have poor eyesight sooner or later discover contact lenses. Their advantages over glasses are obvious: they are invisible to others, allow you not to hide your eyes, do not interfere. But is it that simple?
Ophthalmologists, giving the patient his first lenses, warn of many problems that may arise due to improper use. After all, non-compliance with hygiene conditions can lead to infection, and wearing over a specified period can lead to eye strain.
But is it possible to sleep in contact lenses? The opinions of experts on this subject differ, and it is quite difficult for a simple layman to determine which one is correct. Some categorically state that you can’t sleep in the lenses, others claim that there are nuances. Let us examine this question.
Features of one-day contact lenses
Until recently, we could not imagine that it would be possible not to think about special containers and solutions. But ophthalmologists have taken care of the convenience of patients and have invented lenses that can be worn in the morning and thrown away in the evening. Everything is simple, no additional manipulations.
Wearing one-day lenses is especially convenient when traveling. After all, you do not need to take any additional accessories with you. In addition, the advertisement assures us that one-day contact vision correction is less noticeable due to its minimal thickness. This is especially important for those who are shy of their poor eyesight.
In any case, one-day contact lenses have a number of objective advantages. We will consider them below.
The benefits of day lenses
Thinking about what kind of vision correction tool to choose, many begin to list the pros and cons of one and the other. Some of these indicators are objective, others are not. We will analyze only those advantages of one-day contact lenses that are indisputable:
- Hygiene The lack of the need to store the lenses in a container that also accumulates dirt over time is an obvious advantage. After all, the main complaint of opponents of contact lenses is their lack of hygiene. With the invention of one-day models, this problem was solved.
- Diversity. The time has passed when it was difficult to find one-day lenses for a person with a specific disease. Now there are options for people with myopia, farsightedness and other vision problems.
- Saving. Modern day models cost little more than a month’s lenses. Compared to other advantages, this is an obvious plus. Imagine that a lens is torn or lost - a one-day replacement will cost a mere penny. In addition, the lucky owners of one-day models do not have to spend money on containers, solutions and other accessories.
- Availability. This item applies to those who live in fairly large cities. Recently, special machines for selling one-day contact lenses have begun to appear in large shopping centers. No trips to specialty stores.
Can I sleep in contact lenses?
This question cannot be answered unequivocally. The conditions for wearing particular lenses should be described on the packaging. It necessarily indicates how long they need to be removed, how to care, and in which cases to replace.
To the question of whether it is possible to sleep in the lenses at night, a definite positive answer is given only for those models that belong to the category of long-term wear. Such lenses can be worn without taking off for several days without harm to health. At least that's what manufacturers say. In fact, doctors doubt the
lenses of long-term wear. No matter how safe they are, they are in any case foreign objects. Therefore, their long presence in the eyes is undesirable. In exceptional cases, for example, when it is not possible to maintain hygiene for a long time, on a trip or while relaxing in nature, it is possible to use lenses for prolonged wear. But be that as it may, they still interfere with the eye breathing normally, which is why you can not sleep in the lenses at night.
What about daytime sleep?
Here we are talking, of course, not about those who work on the night shift, but go to bed in the morning for 6-7 hours. No, let's talk about a vacation that takes no more than 2-3 hours. Is it possible to sleep during the day in one-day lenses or any other, especially interesting for girls. If they need to be removed, then you will have to remove all the makeup, and apply again after sleep. Too many difficulties.
In fact, nothing bad will happen if you decide to sleep a little in the lenses. Of course, hydration of the eyes during sleep is slowed down, so when you wake up, you may find that blinking has become more difficult. To solve this problem, you can use special drops for lenses. But they should not be abused: if dryness appears frequently, it is best to consult a doctor.
So is it possible to sleep during the day in one-day lenses?
Often, those who purchase models designed for several hours of wearing do not even have a special container and solution. So, for them, the question is especially acute: is it possible to sleep during the day in one-day lenses? Do not get new ones every time I wanted to relax a bit. Ophthalmologists assure: just like a month’s lenses, one-day ones will easily survive several hours of sleep. But you should not abuse it. Take no more than 2 hours for a nap, do not complicate the life of your eyes and lenses, overdrying them. The right approach will allow you to better maintain vision and not exacerbate existing problems.
How long can I wear lenses without taking off?
The manufacturer must answer this question. The lens packaging should contain information on how long they can be worn without removing. If there are no such records, you can contact your ophthalmologist with this question. Even if you do not plan to sleep the next day, you should not wear lenses all the time without taking off. Take a break after every 12 hours.
During the day, dust, dirt and bacteria accumulate on their surface. That is why every evening you need to carry out a cleaning procedure. Of course, there are special lenses that can not be removed for a long time or even several days. But ophthalmologists are skeptical of them, noting a high risk of infection. Therefore, before buying such lenses, be sure to consult a doctor.
Is it possible to wear one-day lenses for more than a day?
In no case. Such lenses are made of a material that pretty quickly deteriorates. Over time, they begin to leak air worse, and the natural hydration of the eye is significantly reduced. The result is that the efficiency of cleaning the lens surface decreases forever, dust accumulates faster, which means that the risk of infection increases as much as possible.
But what to do in a situation where replacing the lens is not possible, but good vision is needed here and now? Carry glasses with you. They will help not only in this situation, but also if the lens is lost or torn.
Contact Lens Myths
- Contact lenses are sources of infection. As we found out above, such a development of events is possible only with unfair care of them.
- The lens may fall out and be lost. This happens, but very rarely. Often the cause is increased dryness of the eyes. In all other cases, the lens simply moves to the side, while remaining on the surface of the eye. Finding her and returning to her place is no problem.
- Lenses can cause allergies. This statement is not meaningless. The lens may actually contain substances that cause allergies. But the reaction will manifest itself only after a long continuous wear.
- Lenses will interfere in the eyes. Do not know until you check. There is a category of people in whom wearing lenses really causes discomfort. But this is a minority.
Now you are not faced with the question of whether it is possible to sleep in the afternoon in one-day lenses. Know: everything is good in moderation. Properly care for them, take care and do not strain your eyes, regularly visit a doctor and be healthy.