What is a common complication of wearing contact lenses overnight?

Wearing contact lenses overnight can lead to a series of complications primarily because of reduced oxygen availability to the cornea, a situation known as hypoxia. When lenses are kept in for an extended period, the eyes do not receive the necessary oxygen: this can lead to elevated risks of corneal complications, especially infections like keratitis.

Keratitis is characterized by inflammation of the cornea and can be caused by various pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, or fungi. The presence of contact lenses creates a barrier that traps bacteria and other microorganisms against the cornea, increasing the likelihood of developing infections. Additionally, the moisture retention from the contact lenses creates an environment conducive to microbial growth, further exacerbating the risk.

While decreased comfort and dry eyes can occur as a result of wearing lenses for too long, they are not as directly tied to the serious complications one would face with keratitis. Improved vision quality does not apply, as wearing contact lenses continuously can compromise eye health rather than enhance visual acuity over time.