Okay, I've kinda done something wrong with my lenses, and I don't know if I could've majorly messed something up or whether it's okay.

Sooo, I figured you guys could help!

Here's what happened... I went out last night to a party and I got really wasted - I don't usually drink tons but I was just in the mood (thoroughly pissed off at life in general) so I decided to 'let go' as it were.

When I got home I wasn't seeing straight or walking properly (thank God for good friends... I probably wouldn't have gotten home if it wasn't for them!) and I barely managed to walk upstairs without breaking something...

ANYWAY! I totally forgot to take my lenses out and I ended up sleeping with them in - which I've always been told is the worst thing to do with them because they don't let oxygen through or something.

So, seeing as my vision SEEMS 100% fine and nothing's hurting do you think I should bother my optom? I mean, I could just go in case because aftercare is free in my case but it's a kinda embarrassing story - well, for me atleast seeing as I'm 15 and therefore waaaay underage.

Just wondering what you guys would make of that - and please reply (I'm really nervous!).

Matt.

Ah! First of all, you're 15 you shouldn't be getting drunk!! Ok, lecture over.

If aftercare is free - then go, if only to make yourself feel better. How do your eyes feel? Do they hurt? Are they red (other than the hangover effect)? Do they burn?

It's not a good idea to wear your contacts overnight but it won't kill ya either. Sometimes I did it when I've been out drinking and would crash at a friends house and then I'd just wear my glasses for a day or two.

But there was one time when I was working at a basketball camp and I fell asleep with them in and I woke up and could hardly open my eyes they hurt so bad. The light hurt, the air hurt etc (and no I wasn't drunk) but I went to the eye dr. and he gave me some eye drops and I was fine.

Goodluck and be careful about drinking (getting drunk) at such a young age!

**Sorry, didn't mean to be lecturing you! I just don't want to see you get hurt. Just think of it as an opinion - and well everyone has opinions we just don't have to heed them all!

[This message has been edited by BettyRose (edited 01-21-2003).]

Naa, s'ok, I totally understand the whole lecture thing (I've been giving it to myself for the past 2 days!)... Stupid thing to do.

Anyway, I've decided not to go because (apart from the embarrassment) nothing seems to be wrong. My eyes felt fine - they weren't even red because I hardly ever get hangovers as it is. They haven't been sore, and I've been checking them carefully.

So thanks for the advice, I really appreciate it.

Matt.

Well I'm glad your eyes are ok. You don't need to be embarrassed. I think the more you talk to people the more you find that a lot of people leave their contacts in overnight. (even though it's not good for the eyes)

If they feel irritated or anything make sure you at least call your eye dr. If it's to embarrassing for you to tell the whole story all you have to do is tell him you fell asleep with your contacts in. The alcohol doesn't make it any worse, if it does, well, that's news to me.

Glad everything's ok

Don't think that having your lenses in overnight, is going to be a "make or break" situation. More
concerned about why you are so down on life at 15
years old.

Thanks for the concern 32, everything's jus sorta stacking up on me at the moment and it's really hecktick so it's pretty tiring and sometimes gets on top of me. But that's not what this board is about!! So I'll stop waffling...

My eyes are fine now, not that they ever felt bad at all - I was just a bit wierded out by the fact that I left them in for once.

Matt.

Just try not to get whacked out on life, Matt. It is
very precious and if you haven't yet, you will find
that to be true. Life is full of ups and downs, all
the way, but each one just tends to make you just
that much stronger. The saying goes that the Lord
doesn't put anything stronger on our shoulders than
what we can bear, so hang in there. Best of luck to
you!

Matt,

Over wearing your lenses, including sleeping in them, will irritate the surface of your eye and restrict oxygen, which leads to little red blood vessels "growing" on the white portion of your eye. If you ever forget to remove your lenses at night, it's best to remove them immediately the next morning, put in some refreshing eye drops (even saline solution will work) and wear your GLASSES. Let your eyes breathe. In the long run you haven't done much damage due to a one time mistake. Don't make it a habit and you should be fine http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/nono.gif