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Ask the DocDr. Davis Smith answers questions submitted by our readers. |
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Q: Is it really unsafe to sleep in my contact lenses?
-Julia H., New York University
A: Julia,
In a word: yes. Overuse of contact lenses can cause a number of complications, some more serious than others.
Dryness of the eyes: This may be treated with artificial tears or sometimes a change in contact lens material and/or additional medications.
Corneal abrasion: This is a disruption of the superficial layers of the eyeball, typically resulting in pain and/or redness of the eye. In contact lens wearers, this is usually caused by foreign material trapped under a lens or deposits built up on the lenses.
These usually accrue due to imperfect use of a cleaning regimen (see sidebar), or because the wearer is wearing lenses a longer time than indicated, possibly in an effort to save money. For example, a patient may wear lenses for five or six weeks that should be changed monthly.
Abrasions increase the risk of bacterial ulcerative keratitis, a nasty infection of the eye, and so they’re typically treated with prescription antibiotic eye drops.
Hypoxic reactions: Eyeballs need oxygen. They get it by direct diffusion through the surface of the eye. (So Crash Davis wasn’t so far off when he told Nuke LaLoosh, “Breathe through your eyelids,” in Bull Durham.)
Lack of sufficient oxygen can lead to swelling and staining of the epithelium, the outermost part of the eye. This in turn can cause tearing, sensitivity to light, and decreased visual acuity.
There are contact lenses that breathe well enough to be kept in overnight, but most don’t. As the lenses get closer to the end of their lifespan, the material becomes even less permeable to oxygen, perhaps because of protein deposits that build up. Diagnosis and treatment is by an ophthalmologist.
Infectious keratitis and corneal ulcers: This is the most serious complication of contact lens use. Symptoms include red eye, decreased visual acuity, pain, eyelid swelling, and sensitivity to light.
Risk factors include overnight or extended wear of contact lenses and suboptimal lens hygiene. If you sleep in your contact lenses, there is a 15-fold greater risk of developing a corneal ulcer on the eye.
Diagnosis and treatment are by urgent referral to an ophthalmologist. Infectious keratitis can lead to corneal scars, glare, and potentially loss of vision.
For mild eye discomfort and redness, I will evaluate a patient’s condition in my office and may initiate a course of treatment. If there isn’t dramatic improvement within 24 hours, I refer to an ophthalmologist.
For serious eye pain, my practice is to immediately refer patients to an ophthalmologist for urgent evaluation.
For most people, the risk of losing vision is too great to sleep in lenses. And while you’re at it, change them on schedule and clean them appropriately. Your eyes and vision are precious.
Dr. Smith wishes to thank Dr. Sarit Patel, who kindly reviewed and contributed to this piece. Dr. Patel is an ophthalmologist at Grove Hill Medical Center in New Britain, Connecticut.
Contact Lens Care Tips
Source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Medical Devices, Contact Lenses
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Organic Program says a food item is organic if it has been produced using methods that “promote ecological balance and conserve biodiversity.” Organic produce is grown without synthetic fertilizers, prohibited pesticides, sewage sludge, irradiation, and genetic engineering.
The Environmental Working Group, an environmental health research and advocacy organization, notes that there are 12+ top fruits and vegetables to buy organic, in order to avoid toxic pesticide residues. Among these are:
June is National Safety Month. Here’s a checklist for summer safety:
Can't live without apples or chicken? How about sweet potatoes? See what foods other students would miss terribly if they disappeared.
Berries
Blueberries! Chocolate and roasted pecans are in the running, but I will go a long way for fresh blueberries. For example, I daydream of turning my yard into a blueberry orchard.
-Joe M., MATC
I couldn't live without berries. Every summer I wait eagerly for cherries, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries to come into season. They're consistently one of the best parts of my summer!
-Sarah B., Washington College
Strawberries! They're great on salads or by themselves.
-Amber K., Tulsa Community College
Blueberries! They are a lifesaver for energy, work well with various foods or by themselves, and taste great!
-Josh S., California State University Monterey Bay
Chicken
I cannot live without chicken! I usually cook curry chicken or jerk chicken and eat it with stew or fried rice that I cook. I do not fry chicken, I bake it. It is by far one of my favorite foods to eat!
-Barbara A., University at Buffalo
Chicken tenderloins can be prepped and marinated ahead of time and are packed with protein. My favorite is cilantro-lime chicken. Marinated with cilantro, a dash of salt and pepper, fresh sliced lime, and lime juice.
-Crystal B., University of South Alabama
I don't think I would be able to live without chicken! I eat it at least three times a week–baked, grilled, in pasta, or on top of a salad. I love that you can do so many things with chicken so it never gets old.
-Megan P., University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Chicken! (pictured above)
-Jennifer M., UMass Dartmouth
[I like] teriyaki chicken over a plate of rice, cooked with carrot strips and broccoli, and topped with cheese.
-Matthew F., TCC Southeast
Peanut Butter
Its good on fruits, in smoothies, and mixes perfectly with dark chocolate!
-Emily B., University of Delaware
I eat it for breakfast, sometimes lunch, and for snacks to keep me energized and to stave off hunger.
-Natalie H., University of Wisconsin, Madison
I put it on anything I can, or just eat it out of the jar with a spoon when I'm out of bread.
-Eric A., University of Wisconsin, Madison
Every day from kindergarten through my sophomore year of high school, I had a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Now I settle for low-fat peanut butter with apples. Yum!
-Holly S., Saint Louis University
Peanut butter! Its delicious and goes with everything, plus it helps me get enough protein. (pictured above)
-Lyla B., CSUSB
Chocolate & Sweets
Frozen yogurt! Healthier than ice cream, but tastes even better! My personal favorite is three flavors (New York-style cheesecake, red velvet cake, and cookies and cream) topped with mochi, shredded coconut, fresh fruit and a few chocolate chip cookie dough bites. YUM!
-Ashley D., University of Hawai'i at Manoa
The one food I cannot live without is chocolate. It has a taste and texture that is irresistible.
-Amanda M., Algonquin College
Cake is absolutely my favorite food, because I have a mouth full of sweet teeth. Of course, I only eat cake in moderation, but it's definitely my go-to dessert and the reason I love birthdays so much.
-Erin C., Trinity University
Cheesecake rules! (pictured above)
-Briana D., Aurora University
As a college student, I'd say the one food I can't live without is chocolate! As a late night study snack or a pick-me-up during a busy day, chocolate comes in handy! I love it!
-Kaitlyn F., Trinity Christian College
Fruits & Veggies
I cannot live without avocados!!! I love them on just about anything! If there were no more avocados in the world, I would be very sad!
-Michelle W., Northern Michigan University
The one food I can't live without is a cucumber. They're refreshing and you can take them with you if you're on the go. I grew up on a farm and cucumbers are, by far, the best food to have fresh off the vine.
-Brandi Y., University of Hawai'i at Manoa
I can't live without bananas! Bananas can be eaten at any time of day as a meal or snack, they have potassium, and can be carried easily on the go!
-Shannon K., Southern Illinois University
Honestly...broccoli. I know it's the stereotypical "dreaded vegetable", but I love everything about it. It's delicious raw or cooked. I love that if you cook it with spices and a little olive oil it absorbs the flavors perfectly. It's such a versatile vegetable that I don't believe I'll ever get sick of it.
-Popie P., Rowan University
Unique Foods
I cannot live without ketchup. Everyone makes fun of me when I pull out the ketchup bottle, especially at Christmas dinner when I opt for ketchup instead of gravy.
-Stephen I., Queen's University
Olives. They're filling with lots of healthy fats, flavors, and varieties. This is a delicious after work or school snack!
-Christina S., Portland State University
Sweet potato! It's a good carb that's super healthy, and it satisfies my sweet tooth. I eat one small sweet potato everyday for breakfast. I find it to be a treat to eat when I wake up in the morning!
-Gina S., UCLA
I just couldn't live without my meatloaf cupcakes. I take them with me everywhere I go! I make them with whole wheat bread, red peppers, and onions to make them a healthy, on-the-go meal. (pictured above)
-Ruth W., Clemson University
From crumping to parkour, students do many things to get exercise. What's the most interesting way you work out?
Click on each event to learn more.
National Headache Awareness Week 1 - 7
National Cancer Survivors Day - 2
National Men's Health Week - 10 - 16
