If you fall asleep with contacts still in

From: Paul

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Fortunately, this has not happened to me, but if I do fall asleep and I forget to remove my lenses (soft ), what do I do?

Re: If you fall asleep with contacts still in

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Paul,

The corneas' response to this event varies between no discernable effect to extreme pain and blurred vision.(similar to 'arc-eye' - if you have heard of this)

This can vary between individuals, and with different lens types and can even vary with the same individual on different occasions.

It depends on the extent that the cornea swells in response to the lack of oxygen. It usually does no permanent harm to the eye, although if you get the painful response you will inevitably end up at the eye hospital convinced that you are going blind. Treatment is normally time, perhaps with some aspirin. Very few patients are keen to repeat the experience!

Regards, CLI

P.S. If you 'nod off' for a few minutes in front of the TV - you will not do yourself any harm.

Re: If you fall asleep with contacts still in

From: Paul

Comments

Dear CLI:

Thanks for the response. I also wanted to know: what procedure should you follow to remove the lenses if you've slept with them in?

Re: If you fall asleep with contacts still in

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They normally come out without any problem, although sometimes they can dry out and stick to the eye.

It would then be best to irrigate the eye with sterile saline to re-hydrate them, so that they move again, before removal.