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Can you sleep with contact lenses in?

Do not wear contact lenses for at least one full day to allow your eyes to heal. Contact your eye care provider immediately if you notice any symptoms of infection or discomfort.

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Photo by Andy BELLEGARDE from Unsplash.com

Contact lenses are wonderful because they provide a near-normal vision experience without corrective glasses. But they can be easily forgotten. When preparing to sleep, even for a nap, is not the time to forget about them.

To help contact lens wearers understand the implications of sleeping in their lenses, Lens.com published an informative guide.

Can you sleep in contact lenses?

Did you know that sleeping with regular contact lenses can result in severe infection and put you at risk for vision loss? Some contact lenses, like extended wear contacts, are meant to be worn overnight. However, many are not. You can only sleep in contact lenses designed for overnight wear, such as Acuvue Oasys with Hydraclear Plus, which is approved for up to six consecutive nights of wear. 

Contact lenses are medical devices that require proper care and handling to avoid severe side effects. Yet, as little as two percent of contact lens wearers report following their eye care provider’s instructions.

What happens if you sleep with contacts lenses in?

It’s important to know the implications of sleeping in contact lenses not designed for extended wear or if they are left in too long.

  • Eye Infections. Eye infections are the most significant risk of sleeping in contact lenses not approved for extended wear. When you sleep in your contact lenses, your risk of contracting eye infections increases six to eight times. The most common infection is called conjunctivitis or pink eye. This common eye infection is mainly caused by wearing contact lenses overnight, but it can also be caused by allergies or coming into contact with someone who has it. Sleeping with your contact lenses makes you more susceptible to pink eye because your contact lenses can leave microscopic tears on your cornea, thus increasing your odds of bacteria entering and getting trapped in your eye and leading to infection.
  • Hypoxia. Oxygen is essential for the healthy function of your eyes. There are no blood vessels in your corneas (the clear tissue at the front and center of your eye), which means they get their oxygen directly from the air. Contact lenses reduce the amount of oxygen that reaches your cornea. Now imagine sleeping with contact lenses in your eyes. With our eyes shut and contact lenses, the amount of oxygen is greatly restricted and can lead to hypoxia of the eye. This extreme oxygen deprivation can cause warping, scarring, pain, and vision loss.
  • Corneal Ulcers. If your contact lenses are not taken out and cared for properly, you may cause so much irritation that you cause corneal ulcers, or open sores on the cornea, to form. These ulcers can even become so severe that they require a corneal transplant using donor tissue. Those who sleep with contact lenses not approved for extended wear are five times more likely to develop corneal infections, permanently damaging their vision.
  • Contact Lens-induced Acute Red Eye (CLARE). Tight Lens Syndrome or Contact Lens Overwear Syndrome is usually marked by light sensitivity, redness, tearing, and decreased vision. When a contact lens fits too tightly, it will stick to the cornea like a suction cup, and this will cause the cornea to swell. If not treated, You could be at risk for a severe infection that can cause a corneal ulcer leading to permanent scarring and vision loss. Contact lenses are like tiny sponges; they expand when they are moist and shrink when they dry out.
  • Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis (GPC). Wearing your contact lenses for prolonged periods or overnight can cause bumps to form underneath your eyelids called GPCs. If you wear your contacts while you sleep, you have the greatest chance of experiencing this unpleasant condition. These bumps can result in your contact lenses no longer fitting properly. If this happens, your eye care provider may ask you to stop wearing your contact lenses for a week and see if your symptoms subside.

Why does sleeping with contact lenses increase your risk of an eye infection?

After wearing your lenses all day long, napping or falling asleep means your lenses have collected pollutants, bacteria, and dirt that could increase your risk of complications. As your eye and contact lens becomes dehydrated in your sleep, the lens starts to shrink and tear at your cornea, and these microscopic tears allow an entry point for bacteria to get into your eye. Sleeping in contact lenses increases your chance of getting an eye infection six to eight times.

What to do if you accidentally sleep with contact lenses in?

Attempt to remove your contact lenses as soon as you’ve discovered that you’ve fallen asleep with them in your eyes. Make sure you follow your standard hygiene practices. If you cannot remove them easily, stop! Tugging at a dehydrated lens attached to your eye can cause tearing. Instead, place several drops of sterile contact solution on your eyes or lubricating drops. Blink several times. And try again.

After successfully removing your contact lenses, pay attention to how your eyes feel. Do not wear contact lenses for at least one full day to allow your eyes to heal. Contact your eye care provider immediately if you notice any symptoms of infection or discomfort. The signs of an eye infection are blurred vision, redness, excessive watering, and discharge from the eye. If you think you have an eye infection, your eye doctor may want to test your contact lenses, so be sure to take those with you when you visit.

Always practice safe habits following the guidelines your eye care professional provided and check with them whenever you’re in doubt.

If you are guilty of sleeping or taking naps in your contact lenses, it’s time to change your eye care routine. You may want to consider taking out your contact lenses after dinner and switching to eyeglasses so you don’t forget them before bedtime. If you are a fan of naps or have an unpredictable schedule, visit your eye care provider and ask if extended-wear contact lenses are for you. You can browse all the contact lenses you sleep in at Lens.com.

Why are some contact lenses FDA-approved for overnight or extended wear while others aren’t?

The simplest reason why not all contact lenses are FDA-approved for overnight wear is that contact lens manufacturers have to apply for FDA approval. Applying for FDA approval is a lengthy process that requires submitting studies and research documents and passing clinical trials. If a manufacturer wants FDA approval, they’d have to spend considerable time and resources.

Another reason is that contact lenses designed for overnight wear are made of thinner material compared to daily wear contact lenses.

Many contact lens brands that are FDA-approved for overnight wear are made with silicone hydrogel, which is significantly more breathable than standard hydrogel. Silicone hydrogel allows for much better oxygen transmissibility, which is essential when wearing contact lenses for extended periods.

Which contact lenses can you sleep in?

You can only sleep in contact lenses that are designed for overnight wear. Popular contact lenses rated for overnight usage include:

  • Acuvue Oasys with Hydraclear Plus can be worn daily for two weeks or continuously for up to six nights and seven days, after which they must be removed, disposed of, and replaced with a new pair of lenses. These contact lenses feature Acuvue’s innovative Hydraclear Plus. Inspired by how the eye’s tear film works, this wetting agent keeps the contacts wet and smooth for all-day comfort. These contacts block more than 99 percent of UVB and 95 percent of UVA rays – some of the highest levels you’ll find on the market today.
  • AirOptix plus HydraGlyde combines two unique technologies into one lens: SmartShield Technology and HydraGlyde Moisture Matrix technology. SmartShield Technology creates an ultra-thin protective layer to help shield your lenses from deposits and provides long-lasting comfort. HydraGlyde Moisture Matrix, on the other hand, attracts and maintains surface moisture on the lens for up to 16 hours. SmartShield Technology and HydraGlyde Moisture Matrix technology make Air Optix plus HydraGlyde very comfortable.
  • Biofinity contact lenses bring a remarkable balance of comfort and breathability in a monthly disposable lens. They are FDA-approved for extended wear, meaning they can be worn continuously for up to six nights and seven days before they need to be replaced. These contacts feature CooperVision’s patented Aquaform® Technology, which locks in water so you can enjoy all-day comfort. They also have smooth, rounded edges, enhancing comfort by minimizing interaction between your contact lenses and eyelids.
  • PureVision 2 HD contact lenses are another popular brand rated for night and day wear. Featuring Bausch + Lomb’s innovative High Definition™ Optics, these contact lenses help you see enhanced contrast, sharper details, and reduced glare, even in low light conditions. They reduce halos and give a crisp, clear vision while using digital devices or in low-light conditions. They’re made of a silicone hydrogel lens material that allows plenty of oxygen to reach your eyes, which they need to stay white and healthy.

Curious to see all the contact lenses you can sleep inVisit Lens.com to learn more.

The lenses above have been approved by the FDA for use while asleep. If you already wear these contact lenses, ask your eye care provider before using contacts during sleep. Each individual’s eye health is different and your eye care provider needs to evaluate the overall health of your eye before approving overnight use.

Can you nap while wearing contact lenses?

Generally, no, you should not nap or sleep with contact lenses. This applies to all contact lens brands and types, unless specified. Falling asleep with your contact lenses could lead to infection and irritation. While modern soft contact lenses have incredible technology to ensure enough oxygen passes through the lenses in daily wear, having your eyes closed while you sleep reduces available oxygen and prevents tears from washing your eye under the contact lenses. This can potentially cause problems to your eyes through hypoxia of the eyes unless you use specific lenses designed for extended wear, as directed by your eye care professional.

Everyone faces different challenges when getting through each day, but some days are occasionally a tad more exhausting than others. Whether you are a new parent, finishing up work for a deadline, studying for an important exam, or going through health issues that keep you lethargic all day long, there’s one thing we can all agree on, and that is a nap. Studies have shown that naps boost productivity by improving alertness, performance, and mood.

Rather than avoid taking naps, consider talking to your doctor about changing your prescription to an extended-wear contact lens.

What if I fall asleep with the contact lenses for just 10 minutes?

The duration does make a difference, but it is not the only factor to consider. In general, the more time spent sleeping in contact lenses, the greater the risk that you will develop symptoms of infection or inflammation and suffer from the more severe consequences. For example, if you sometimes fall asleep during your work transit or take naps between 10 and 40 minutes long, you are likely not exposing yourself to any long-term health-related risks. You might, however, still experience blurred vision and dry eyes for a short period. If you’re asleep for an extended period of one or more hours, then your contact lenses can dry up in your eyes, which can lead to discomfort or a scratching sensation in your eyes when you open them.

The type of contact lenses you wear matters, too. Silicone hydrogel lenses allow more oxygen to the cornea, so your eyes won’t get sore. On the other hand, hydrogel lenses might cause some redness, irritation, and burning when you wake up– which could even damage your cornea. With shorter naps, these issues are less likely to occur.

The state your eyes are in before falling asleep also matters. If you have been using your contacts only for a few hours before going to bed, then there is a lower risk of your eyes getting irritated than if you have been wearing them all day. This is because contact lenses accumulate dirt and dust, such as when worn for extended periods or throughout the day. However, if you fall asleep with your contacts in the evening and stay in your eyes all night, this is more problematic.

How do you wear contact lenses safely?

Your eye health is just too important to take a chance. Consider speaking with your eye care professional about switching to contact lenses approved for extended wear when in doubt.

If you’ve accidentally slept in your contact lenses for brief periods or rarely, here are tips to help:

  • Attempt to remove your contact lenses as soon as you realize you’ve slept in them. But do not sidestep your regular hygiene process, such as washing your hands.
  • Always have a backup plan. Carry a spare set of lenses or a pair of eyeglasses. It’s also a good idea to keep contact solution or eye drops in your purse, backpack, or office.
  • If you’ve fallen asleep on an overnight trip and realize you didn’t bring your contact lenses or cleaning supplies, find a pharmacy as soon as possible so that you can remove and clean your lenses. At the very least, put in eye drops so your lens can rehydrate and reduce the pressure on your cornea, and it is imperative to remove your lens as soon as possible.
  • Never put your contact lenses in your mouth to moisten or clean them. Saliva is not sterile and will increase the risk of an eye infection.
  • Before wearing your contact lenses again, ensure they are thoroughly cleaned and inspect them for small tears or other imperfections. If you notice any irregularities, throw them away. And start with a fresh pair. It’s always a good idea to go at least one day without contact lenses if you’ve slept in them; this will give your eyes a chance to recover.
  • If you experience any symptoms of an eye infection or discomfort, seek care from your eye care professional.

Always practice safe habits and check with your eye care professional whenever you doubt.

NewsMakers

MMM initiative to teach people about proper method of taking blood pressure readings

The MMM initiative has screened about 5-million people in 100 countries. It also aims to screen more Filipinos across more municipalities nationwide with the support of local health organizations and volunteers.

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Hypertension is the leading contributing factor for global death. An estimated 10-million lives are lost each year due to elevated blood pressure which increases the risk of heart, brain, kidney, and other diseases. In the Philippines, the incidence of hypertension alone, which remains a leading cause of death, continues to rise, with deaths linked to it hitting 34,500 in 2020. According to World Health Organization (WHO), cardiovascular diseases account for a third of deaths in the country.

Unfortunately, the number of Filipinos afflicted with hypertension continues to increase as many of them are unaware that they have raised blood pressure. Some of them only find out they are hypertensive after they had a stroke or heart attack, and other cardiovascular complications. However, the rising number of hypertensive Filipinos and deaths are actually preventable. Awareness about elevated blood pressure and its dangers, and improved health practices are necessary to prevent hypertension.  

This year, the Philippine Society of Hypertension (PSH), alongside OMRON Healthcare, Servier, and the Department of Health (DOH), spearheaded the May Measure Month (MMM) campaign which encouraged individuals to have their blood pressure screened with OMRON’s clinically validating blood pressure monitoring available in select locations from May 17 (World Hypertension Day) to July 31, 2023. PSH will offer free blood pressure screenings and further raise awareness about the risks posed by hypertension.

The MMM initiative has screened about 5-million people in 100 countries. It also aims to screen more Filipinos across more municipalities nationwide with the support of local health organizations and volunteers.

This year’s campaign will also teach people about the proper method of taking blood pressure readings to enable them to monitor their blood pressure accurately in the comfort of their homes. This goal of raising awareness about proper blood monitoring and promoting better health has been the core of the MMM campaign since it started in 2017. Besides, given the opportunities of the hybrid setup, the campaign empowered people to measure their blood pressure through home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM), and doctors present at the event demonstrated the proper positioning on how to get accurate blood pressure measurement.

“May Measure Month is an opportunity and a reminder for Filipinos to take charge of their health not just this summer but every day. We also hope it will encourage more Filipinos to learn more about the risks associated with hypertension. We want to raise awareness and promote new methods to spread awareness about this silent killer and help people make lifestyle changes that can lead to better heart health,” said Dr. Dolores Bonzon, PSH president.

The data collected from the blood pressure monitoring devices across the different screening sites can be submitted and collected in three ways: 1) physical/ printed forms provided in screening sites, 2) Google forms made by the PSH which can be accomplished online by a volunteer healthcare professional or by the participants themselves, or 3) the patients themselves logging in their measured data at the MMM official website or the MMM mobile app. The PSH encourages the use of the first two methods to allow them to keep track of data submitted from the Philippines. These data are used to gather scientific knowledge to help influence worldwide blood pressure screening policies and make screening more widely available globally.

To offer trusted and clinically validated HBPM, OMRON Healthcare’s recently clinically validated HEM 7120 and HEM 7121 are equipped with a cuff wrapping guide to assist the user in properly fitting the arm cuff for an accurate and reliable blood pressure measurement. The products’ IntelliSense Technology automatically inflates the cuff to the optimal amount to provide precise results while still being comfortable. If the measured systolic or diastolic pressure is outside the standard range, the Hypertension Indicator feature sends a signal. These features are very important for obtaining reliable readings when blood pressure fluctuates.

“OMRON Healthcare remains committed to improving lives and contributing to a better society, especially since we have reached the 50th anniversary milestone of OMRON’s blood pressure monitors. OMRON has also transformed the way people measure blood pressure, making it simple and accurate for anybody, wherever in the world. Now more than ever, we have to be conscious of our general physical health. This year’s MMM will not just encourage Filipinos to integrate blood pressure monitoring in their lives to detect early signs of hypertension but also inspire them to make the necessary lifestyle changes to achieve better health,” said Yusuke Kato, general manager for OMRON Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd – Philippine Branch (Healthcare Division).

The MMM campaign is a call to action for all Filipinos to take control of their health and work toward a healthier future for themselves and their families. As the world shifts to the new normal, OMRON Healthcare will continue to work with other organizations to promote hypertension awareness and empower Filipinos to achieve better health and an improved quality of life.

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Kim Atienza shares his fitness routine for a healthier lifestyle

The TV host had a stroke in 2010, followed by a life-threatening disease called Guillain-Barré syndrome in 2013. These incidents pushed Kuya Kim to lead a healthier and more active lifestyle.

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A fitness routine is essential to good health. An activity as simple as walking, when done frequently, can have tremendous benefits to the body.[1] Some benefits of a regular fitness routine include weight loss or maintenance, the improvement of physical functions, and the strengthening of bones and muscles. It also reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and several common cancers.[2]

Kim Atienza, popularly known as Kuya Kim, is a fitspiration to many because of his physique. His fitness journey, however, had a rocky start. The TV host had a stroke in 2010, followed by a life-threatening disease called Guillain-Barré syndrome in 2013. These incidents pushed Kuya Kim to lead a healthier and more active lifestyle.

Today, Kuya Kim runs, cycles, and swims. He has competed in several triathlons and races in the Philippines and abroad. When he’s not competing, he swims and runs twice a week early in the morning. He also does Crossfit.

While he has a rigorous routine, he believes that health doesn’t have to be complicated. According to Kuya Kim, “Good health is an accumulation of small but meaningful changes. A sport or a workout is helpful but something as simple as changing how you move can lead to better health,” says Kuya Kim.

The TV host shares some elements in his fitness routine:

Starts the day with stretches

Kuya Kim starts his day with stretching, especially when he can’t squeeze in a workout in the morning. Stretching lengthens the muscles and reduces tension, increases blood flow to improve mobility, and brings on feelings of positivity.[3]

To help keep his fitness in check, Kuya Kim does “intermittent fasting” or “IF”. In simple terms, this diet allows 16 hours of fasting, and eating what you want for the remaining 8 hours of the day. Because of this, he only gets to eat breakfast occasionally. But when he does, it’s still on the healthy side. 

“There’s truth in the saying that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. I make sure to have a nutritious and filling breakfast that can power me throughout the day,” says Kuya Kim. He eats a balanced breakfast that has protein and fiber, such as eggs, Greek yogurt, and oatmeal. For the rest of the day, he minimizes sugar and eats mostly vegetables.

Uses the stairs instead of the elevator

Elevators and escalators may get you to your destination faster but there are more benefits to taking the stairs. Climbing stairs can strengthen the muscles and increase body resistance, burn body fat, and improve heart and lung function.[4] Kuya Kim shares, “I take the stairs when I can, especially when I only have to go to the second floor.”

Walks or bikes to a nearby destination instead of taking the car

“I walk or bike when the opportunity presents itself,” says Kuya Kim. That means leaving the car at home when running simple errands like doing the groceries or going to nearby locations like a favorite restaurant or a friend who lives nearby.

The TV host adds, “Walking is one of the easiest ways to stay fit and can be done by anyone, anywhere. You don’t need special clothes or any kind of equipment.”

Ends the day with a quiet meditation and stretches

Kuya Kim ends his day the way he starts them: with more stretches and meditation. He finds a comfortable spot at home, closes his eyes, and watches his breath. Frequent meditation reduces stress and anxiety, lowers blood pressure, and strengthens the immune system.[5] The TV host reveals, “I want to end my day on a good note, and a few minutes of meditation improves my mood so I can readily face future challenges.”

Helping Filipinos with their fitness journey

Kuya Kim, who is an ambassador for the Watsons Brand Vitamin B Complex, trusts the leading health retailer for his fitness journey.

Watsons is committed to being the Filipino’s partner by offering a complete and wide range of products, such as fitness equipment, multivitamins and overall wellness items, health drinks, and supplements for digestive detox, and immunity and energy.

Filipinos can access these through Watsons’ network of over 1,000 stores in the Philippines, all of which offer expert care through in-store pharmacists, specialists, and staff.

They may also download the Watsons app to browse prescription and over-the-counter medicines and personal care products. For added convenience, customers can purchase online and pick up their orders from their selected store in 30 minutes or less, or have them delivered to their doorstep within three hours.

Download the Watsons on  iOS and Android for access to products that can help you with your fitness journey. For more information, please visit https://www.watsons.com.ph/.


[1] 5 surprising benefits of walking. (2022, Aug 25). Harvard Health Publishing, Harvard Medical School, https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/5-surprising-benefits-of-walking. Accessed 29 March 2023.

[2] Benefits of Physical Activity. (Last reviewed 2022, Jun 16). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/pa-health/index.htm#:~:text=Regular%20physical%20activity%20is%20one,ability%20to%20do%20everyday%20activities.. Accessed 29 March 2023.

[3] The Special Benefits Of Stretching In The Morning. (2022, May 12). Bustle, https://www.bustle.com/wellness/stretching-in-the-morning-benefits. Accessed 30 March 2023.

[4] Benefits of Stair Climbing. (2020, Jan 6). Centre for Health Protection, https://www.chp.gov.hk/en/static/90006.html. Accessed 30 March 2023.

[5] 10 Science-Backed Benefits Of Meditation. (Updated 2022, Oct 20). Forbes Health, https://www.forbes.com/health/mind/benefits-of-meditation/. Accessed 30 March 2023.

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Hospital Management Asia 2023 Conference returns to embrace change for more efficient healthcare

Industry leaders and professionals from around the world, including Philippine-based speakers Stephen Tan, Hospital Administrator at University of Cebu Medical Center and Roxannie Alejo, Centre for Patient Experience Head at The Medical City, will be sharing their expertise and insights at the upcoming healthcare conference.

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Hospital Management Asia (HMA) 2023 Conference, the premier event for hospital owners, C-level executives, directors, and healthcare leaders, returns on September 5 and 6 at the Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia.

Industry leaders and professionals from around the world, including Philippine-based speakers Stephen Tan, Hospital Administrator at University of Cebu Medical Center and Roxannie Alejo, Centre for Patient Experience Head at The Medical City, will be sharing their expertise and insights at the upcoming healthcare conference.

The conference will feature hospitals that have leveraged the latest digital and smart technologies, seen as pivotal in healthcare’s continued quest to improve quality of patient care and operational efficiencies. Healthtech companies and startups with innovative healthcare ideas and technologies will be providing valuable insights into the latest trends and advancements in the field.

Attendees can expect panel sessions showcasing how leading hospitals in Asia are utilising digital technology to create innovative solutions for critical issues – from the global nursing shortage to medication errors, patient falls and hospital-acquired infections. Topics that will be covered include automation of nursing tasks; the role of data mining and analytics in quality and patient experience improvement; developing integrated digital systems to enhance care access and patient-centricity; and adoption of cybersecurity measures to ensure resilience of digital systems against cyberthreats.

Dr. Anton Decker, President of International at Mayo Clinic, will deliver a keynote speech on the significance of using data, AI, and connectivity in healthcare. Other key speakers at the event include Dr. Zaliha Mustafa, Minister of Health of Malaysia, Stephanie Bayer, Senior Director Patient Experience at Cleveland Clinic in the US, Dr. Ben Widaja, President Director of Mandaya Hospital Group in Indonesia, Dr. Asawin Puwatanasan, Deputy Hospital Director at Bangkok International Hospital in Thailand, Benedict Tan, Group Digital Strategy Officer and Chief Data Officer at Singapore Health Services in Singapore, and Monojit Mitra, Facility and Biomedical Director at FV Hospital in Vietnam.

“Our conference is designed to connect healthcare leaders from across Asia and facilitate important discussions,” said Pinky Fadullon, HMA Project Director. “With the theme ‘Embracing Change for More Efficient Healthcare,’ we aim to inspire hospitals to leverage digital technology that will improve patient outcomes.”

Registration for HMA 2023 is now open with early bird rates available until June 8. Attendees can register online through the HMA website.

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