The Nightly Habit That Cost a Man His Sight: A Cautionary Tale for Contact Lens Users

Sleeping in Contacts: One Man’s Painful Lesson

When 39-year-old Brian Groeschen woke up one morning with a scratchy, irritated eye, he thought little of it. He assumed it was just a speck of dust, a mild case of dryness, or maybe even an eyelash that had gotten trapped overnight. He shrugged it off, convinced it would resolve on its own. But within a few days, that mild irritation turned into something far more serious and alarming.

Soon, Brian found himself sitting nervously in a chair at the Cincinnati Eye Institute, confronting a diagnosis that no one wants to hear: a sight-threatening corneal ulcer. This wasn’t just an ordinary eye infection — it was a severe, potentially blinding condition that required immediate intervention.

Doctors discovered that his infection was caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a particularly aggressive bacterium known for its ability to rapidly destroy corneal tissue. This dangerous microbe had found the perfect breeding ground in the tiny space between Brian’s eye and the contact lens he had slept in. While his lenses were labeled as “safe for extended wear,” ophthalmologists emphasize that no contact lenses are truly risk-free when it comes to sleeping in them.

Dr. William Faulkner, Brian’s ophthalmologist, explained the serious risks in stark terms: “We see the worst corneal ulcers in patients who wear lenses to bed,” he said. Contact lenses significantly reduce the flow of oxygen to the surface of the eye. When combined with the moist, warm environment under the closed eyelid, they create ideal conditions for bacteria to thrive and invade the cornea.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology has long warned against wearing contacts overnight. Even lenses marketed as “breathable” or “approved for overnight wear” cannot fully eliminate the danger of microbial infections. The risk might be lower, but it is never zero.

For Brian, the consequences were devastating. The infection left his cornea scarred, permanently reducing vision in that eye. Despite the best efforts of his medical team, he ultimately needed a corneal transplant — a complex surgery that replaced the damaged tissue with a healthy donor cornea. His recovery was long and painful, involving multiple follow-up appointments, medication regimens, and adjustments to his daily life. His work, hobbies, and overall quality of life were deeply affected during this period.

Brian’s experience is a cautionary tale that underscores just how critical it is to practice proper contact lens hygiene. What started as a simple shortcut — leaving his contacts in overnight for convenience — spiraled into a life-changing ordeal.

To protect your eyes and maintain long-term vision health, experts recommend following these five essential guidelines:

Never sleep in your contacts unless explicitly prescribed — and even then, reconsider. Removing lenses at night dramatically lowers the risk of infection.
Wash your hands thoroughly before touching lenses. This simple step can prevent bacteria from transferring to your eyes.
Always use fresh disinfecting solution. Never reuse or “top off” old solution in your case, as it loses effectiveness and may harbor harmful microbes.
Replace your lens case regularly. Even with proper cleaning, cases can develop bacterial biofilms over time. Aim to replace them every few months.
Adhere strictly to your lens replacement schedule. Overwearing lenses beyond their recommended life span increases the risk of complications.

Brian’s story is a sobering reminder that small lapses in routine — like skipping a single night of lens removal — can result in severe, sometimes irreversible, consequences. Our eyes are incredibly delicate and irreplaceable, and they rely on us to make careful, informed choices.

In the end, no convenience is worth sacrificing your sight. Practicing consistent hygiene and giving your eyes a break at night are not just suggestions — they’re essential habits for preserving the gift of vision. Let Brian’s experience serve as a powerful wake-up call to all contact lens wearers: shortcuts today can lead to painful, life-changing outcomes tomorrow.