Sleeping in Contacts: One Man’s Painful Lesson

When 39-year-old Brian Groeschen woke up with a scratchy eye, he brushed it off as minor irritation. Days later, he sat in a Cincinnati Eye Institute chair, facing a serious diagnosis: a sight-threatening corneal ulcer.

Doctors found the infection was caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a dangerous bacterium that had thrived between Groeschen’s eye and the contact lens he’d slept in. Though his lenses were labeled safe for extended wear, experts say sleeping in any contacts increases infection risk significantly.

“We see the worst corneal ulcers in patients who wear lenses to bed,” said Dr. William Faulkner, Groeschen’s ophthalmologist. Contact lenses reduce oxygen flow and trap bacteria, making the eye vulnerable.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology strongly warns against overnight lens wear. Even “breathable” lenses don’t eliminate the danger of microbial infection.

Groeschen’s infection left his cornea scarred, diminishing vision in one eye. He needed a corneal transplant and endured a long recovery that impacted his work and daily life.

To protect your eyes, follow these five key rules:

Never sleep in contacts unless specifically prescribed—and reconsider even then.
Wash hands thoroughly before touching lenses.
Use fresh disinfecting solution each time; never reuse.
Replace your lens case every few months.
Stick to your lens replacement schedule.
Groeschen’s ordeal is a stark reminder: minor shortcuts can lead to major consequences. Proper lens hygiene and giving your eyes a break at night are essential for long-term vision health.