Busy day working or running around after your little ones? Woken up with sore eyes? If you’ve accidentally slept in your daily disposables, don’t panic. There are a number of things you can do to make your eyes feel fresh and ready for the day once again!
Why you shouldn’t sleep in your lenses
Whether you’ve simply forgotten or thought that one night wouldn’t hurt, sleeping with your lenses in can lead to plenty of different issues. Unfortunately, contact lenses can get dirty and harm your eyes, no matter how careful you are.
When you leave your lenses in for bedtime or even a nap, you disrupt the natural balance of your cornea, leading to a build-up of bacteria causing inflammation or worse. This can also lead to your eyes becoming deprived of oxygen which can cause long-lasting damage over time.
Remember to only use a new pair of contact lenses once your eyes have recovered from the lack of oxygen.
Time to give your eyes some TLC
When you wake up and realise your sore eyes are because you’ve left your contacts in, first things first, get them out! Be careful though, as they may be stiff or clinging more to your eyes than usual.
If you can’t get them out because they’re dry, give them a little time to rehydrate. Once you’ve removed them, make sure to use your normal glasses for the day. This will give your eyes chance to regain some moisture and oxygen, and give them all important recovery time.
Signs your eyes might be infected
No matter if it’s the first time you’ve done it or you’re a repeat offender, it’s important to keep a lookout for signs your eyes might be infected. Some of the most common problems are:
- Being sensitive to light
- Redness and soreness
- Inflammation or swelling
- Burning or itching sensation
- Eye pus or discharge
If you experience any of these, book in to see an optician immediately. If one isn’t available, speak to your GP and they may be able to get you an emergency appointment. Treated early enough, you may find all you need is some antibiotic eye drops.
Our top tips and things you should remember
Here are some of the top things you need to remember when wearing your contact lenses:
- Always follow the advice of your optician – remember, they know best
- Wash your hands before you handle your lenses
- Swimming, using jacuzzis/saunas and showering are all risk factors when wearing lenses
- If your eyes are sore or red, take your lenses out immediately and wear your glasses instead