No, it is generally not recommended to sleep with something in your eye.
Based on expert advice, sleeping with something in your eye isn't a good idea. The strong recommendation is that you should do everything you can to get the object out before you go to bed at night.
Why It's Not Recommended
Having a foreign object in your eye while you sleep can potentially cause further irritation or damage. While you're asleep, you aren't aware of the object's presence, and movements like rubbing your eyes could worsen the situation.
- Increased Irritation: The object can rub against the delicate surface of your eye (cornea and conjunctiva) throughout the night, leading to discomfort and inflammation.
- Potential for Damage: Prolonged contact can cause scratches (corneal abrasions) or other injuries to the eye's surface. These injuries can be painful and may require medical attention.
- Risk of Infection: An injured eye is more susceptible to infection, which can have serious consequences for your vision.
Recommended Action
The primary course of action is to safely remove the object before attempting to sleep. The reference clearly states you should do everything you can to get the object out.
Here are general steps often advised, keeping the reference's instruction in mind:
- Wash Your Hands: Always clean your hands thoroughly before touching your eye.
- Attempt to Flush: Use clean water or saline solution to gently flush the eye. Blink several times while flushing.
- Avoid Rubbing: Do not rub your eye, as this can push the object further in or scratch the surface.
- Seek Help: If you cannot safely remove the object after trying to flush or it feels embedded, do not attempt to force it out. Seek immediate medical attention from an eye doctor or emergency room.
Ignoring a foreign object in your eye can lead to complications. Prioritizing safe removal is key to protecting your eye health.
