Introduction
Sleeping with your contact lenses in can be a dangerous practice for your eyes. It increases the risk of infection, dryness, and irritation. Fortunately, there are several ways you can treat your eyes after sleeping with contacts. Below, we’ll discuss the best methods for treating your eyes after sleeping in contacts.
Use Saline Solution
The first thing you should do after sleeping with your contacts is to flush your eyes with saline solution. Saline solution is a sterile liquid that helps to rinse away any debris or bacteria that may have built up while wearing the contacts. To use saline solution, fill a clean cup with the solution and tilt your head back. Then, slowly pour the solution into your eyes, allowing it to flow over the entire surface of the eye. Rinse both eyes with the solution, then discard the remaining solution.
Change Your Contact Lenses
Once you’ve used saline solution to flush out your eyes, it’s important to replace your contact lenses. Wearing the same lenses for too long can lead to further irritation and dryness. When selecting new lenses, make sure to choose ones that are designed for extended wear. Additionally, if you’re having trouble finding lenses that fit properly, you may want to consider switching to daily disposable lenses.
Wear Glasses
In addition to replacing your contact lenses, you should also consider wearing glasses for a few days. Wearing glasses will provide your eyes with a much needed break from the contact lenses and allow them to rest and heal. When choosing a pair of glasses, make sure to select ones that offer good coverage and protection from the sun. Additionally, you may want to consider investing in a pair of prescription glasses if you don’t already own one.
Use Eye Drops
Another way to treat your eyes after sleeping with contacts is to use eye drops. Eye drops come in many different forms and can help to reduce redness, dryness, and irritation. There are two types of eye drops available: artificial tears and lubricating eye drops. Artificial tears are designed to mimic the natural tears in your eyes and lubricating eye drops are designed to provide additional moisture. When using eye drops, make sure to follow the instructions on the packaging.
Take a Warm Compress
In addition to using eye drops, you may also want to consider using a warm compress. A warm compress can help to reduce inflammation and discomfort in the eyes. To use a warm compress, simply soak a clean cloth in warm water and apply it to your closed eyes for 10 minutes. You can repeat this process several times a day until your eyes feel better.
Visit an Optometrist
If your symptoms persist after trying the above methods, you should consider making an appointment with an optometrist. During your appointment, your optometrist will examine your eyes and determine the best course of treatment. They may recommend prescription eye drops, glasses, or other treatments depending on the severity of your condition. Be sure to ask any questions you may have during your visit.
Conclusion
Sleeping in contacts can be damaging to your eyes and should be avoided whenever possible. However, if you do find yourself in this situation, there are several ways you can treat your eyes. These include using saline solution, changing your contact lenses, wearing glasses, using eye drops, taking a warm compress, and visiting an optometrist. By following these steps, you can help to ensure that your eyes stay healthy and comfortable.
