AnnaMaria
He Slept in His Contacts—and It Cost Him His Vision
Groeschen, a 39-year-old business owner, woke up one morning with mild eye irritation. At first, he thought it was nothing. But as the days passed, the discomfort escalated, and soon he found himself at the Cincinnati Eye Institute facing a life-changing diagnosis.
Doctors discovered he had contracted Pseudomonas, a dangerous bacteria that thrives under contact lenses—especially when they’re worn overnight.
The Cost of a Common Mistake
According to his doctors, sleeping in contacts created the perfect conditions for the bacteria to “incubate.” The infection severely damaged his cornea, leading to cloudy vision and scarring that made it feel like “seeing through frosted glass.”
The only path to restoring his sight? A full cornea transplant, a complex surgery requiring nearly a year of recovery.
Groeschen, who runs a design-based restorations company, was left unable to work—temporarily losing both his vision and livelihood.
But Aren’t Some Contacts Made for Overnight Wear?
Interestingly, the packaging on his lenses claimed they were safe to wear while sleeping. But experts strongly disagree.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology has made it clear: wearing contact lenses overnight—regardless of type—increases the risk of corneal infections.
Dr. William Faulkner, the ophthalmologist who treated Groeschen, warned that while extended-wear lenses are marketed for convenience, they are not risk-free. “Sleeping in contacts is something I would never recommend,” he said.
Other Risky Habits Contact Lens Wearers Should Avoid
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Not replacing lens cases regularly
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Topping off solution instead of using fresh solution
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Wearing lenses past their expiration date
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Exposing lenses to water or showering with them on
Even small shortcuts in hygiene can open the door to dangerous infections.
So if you’re a contact lens user, take a moment tonight before bed to think twice. Your vision may depend on it.
Just that.
