A 39-year-old man, Groeschen, experienced a life-changing event after waking up one morning with an irritated eye. Initially attributing it to allergies, he didn’t realize the severity until the discomfort worsened over the following days.
Groeschen's experience highlights the dangers of wearing contact lenses overnight.Seeking medical advice at the Cincinnati Eye Institute, he was diagnosed with a serious eye infection caused by Pseudomonas bacteria. According to doctors, the infection likely developed because Groeschen wore his contact lenses while sleeping, creating an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive.
While antibiotics successfully eliminated the bacteria, the damage was already done. Groeschen developed a corneal ulcer, leaving behind scar tissue that severely impaired his vision.
“It’s like trying to see through frosted glass,” doctors explained. “The infection eroded part of your cornea, and the resulting scar makes it difficult to see clearly.”
To regain his sight, Groeschen will require a cornea transplant, a procedure that typically requires up to a year for full recovery.
As the owner of a design-focused restoration company, Groeschen’s vision loss has made it challenging to continue his work. Reflecting on his experience, he expressed regret over following misleading advice from contact lens packaging, which claimed the lenses were safe to wear overnight.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with sleeping in contact lenses. The American Academy of Ophthalmology has long warned that wearing any type of contact lenses overnight significantly increases the likelihood of serious eye infections.
Dr. William Faulkner, who treated Groeschen, emphasized the importance of proper eye care, stating:
“The safest option for contact lens users is daily-wear disposable lenses. Even though some lenses are marketed as safe for overnight use, the risk of infection is too high.”
Additionally, common mistakes such as reusing lens solution and keeping lens cases for extended periods further elevate the risk of infection.