An Ophthalmologist Is Warning Against The Common Activity That Could Permanently Scar Your Vision
“It’s Bad”: An Eye Doctor Is Warning People About This Common Habit That Could Ruin Your Eyesight
Your eyes are one of the most important organs in your body, and most of us take them for granted. But a common habit, practiced by millions, is being highlighted by experts as potentially dangerous. On Monday, September 30, 2024, Dr. Amanda Redfern, an ophthalmologist at Oregon Health & Science University’s Casey Eye Institute, issued a stern warning during an interview on the HuffPost podcast “Am I Doing It Wrong?” hosted by Raj Punjabi and Noah Michelson.
According to Dr. Redfern, the habit of sleeping with contact lenses, even for naps, can cause serious damage to your eyes. “It’s bad. It’s real bad. Don’t do it,” she emphasized. Sleeping with contacts can lead to corneal ulcers — an infection that develops on the cornea, the clear, outer layer of the eye. This infection can be so severe that, in the worst cases, it can result in the loss of an eyeball.
Though corneal ulcers don’t happen every time someone sleeps with contacts, the risk is real. “It’s like playing Russian roulette,” Dr. Redfern said. In less extreme cases, you could still end up with permanent scarring on your cornea, which can affect your vision. If the scar forms in the central part of the cornea, it could permanently impair your vision, and the only solution may be a corneal transplant.
Dr. Redfern also mentioned that other common activities, such as swimming in pools, lakes, or even showering with contact lenses, are equally risky. “When you swim or shower with contacts, you sandwich bacteria between the lens and your cornea,” she explained. This can lead to infections and all the serious complications that follow.
Even using tap water to rinse or store your lenses is a big no-no. Tap water isn’t sterile, and it can contaminate your lenses, increasing your risk of infection. When asked what to do if someone forgets their contact lens solution while traveling, Dr. Redfern was firm in her response: “Neither option is good. Don’t sleep in your contacts or use tap water. I’d rather you throw the lenses out and walk around a little blurry for the weekend.”
Another important point Dr. Redfern made was about eye protection. Whether you’re doing home repairs, hammering, or sawing, she advises wearing protective eyewear. “I always wear eye protection when doing anything that could potentially harm my eyes,” she said. The trauma caused by small objects flying into the eye can be severe. If this happens, Dr. Redfern advises not trying to remove it yourself. Instead, tape a paper cup over your eye and seek medical help immediately. Trying to pull out an object can cause more harm, potentially even leading to parts of the inner eye coming out with it.
In addition to these warnings, Dr. Redfern busted a few myths. For example, reading in the dark isn’t going to permanently damage your eyes, though it might cause some temporary discomfort. She also discussed why we sometimes see floaters in our vision — small specks or strings that drift around in your line of sight. While floaters are usually harmless, they can sometimes signal a more serious issue, so it’s important to get them checked by a professional if they suddenly increase or become more noticeable.
Dr. Redfern’s message is clear: proper eye care is essential, and taking small risks with your vision is not worth the potential long-term damage. From avoiding naps with contact lenses to wearing protective eyewear, these simple habits can help maintain your eye health for years to come. If you’re unsure about any of your current habits or activities that may impact your eyes, it’s always a good idea to consult with an ophthalmologist.
Your eyes are precious, and taking care of them should always be a priority. So, the next time you think about sleeping with your contact lenses or skipping the safety glasses during a quick DIY project, remember Dr. Redfern’s words: “It’s bad. It’s real bad.”
#EyeHealth #ContactLensCare #OphthalmologyTips #HealthyEyes #VisionSafety