By: Lauren Manaker M.S., RDN, LD, CLEC
Your bedtime routine could be impacting your eyes.
Many of our daily routines have a direct impact on our overall health, and our eyes are no exception. Simple choices like the food we eat and how much screen time we log play a role in maintaining healthy vision for years to come. While many people are familiar with the basics of eye care, there’s one widespread habit that often flies under the radar: sleeping with contact lenses in. Falling asleep with your contacts in might seem harmless, especially after a long day. However, this habit can create a dangerous environment for your eyes.
“Millions of people wear contact lenses for vision correction, and while it’s a great option if you follow proper care and hygiene instructions, two of the worst habits for eye health I often see patients do involve contact lenses,” said Ami Vadada, M.D. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about one-third of all contact lens wearers report sleeping with their lenses in. “Sleeping or showering in your contact lenses is never a good idea—this can lead to some serious, potentially vision-threatening, eye infections,” Vadada adds.