Brian Groeschen, a 39-year-old man from Cincinnati, thought nothing of sleeping in his contact lenses one night. When he woke up with a scratchy eye, he assumed it was just mild irritation. But days later, he found himself facing a life-changing diagnosis: a severe corneal ulcer caused by the aggressive bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This fast-moving infection had formed under the lens he wore overnight, threatening his vision permanently.

Although his lenses were marketed as safe for extended wear, ophthalmologists like Dr. William Faulkner warn that sleeping in any contacts—“breathable” or not—drastically raises the risk of serious infections. Contact lenses reduce oxygen to the eye and create the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive. Groeschen’s case was one of the worst, and despite treatment, the infection scarred his cornea, requiring a transplant and disrupting his daily life and career.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology strongly advises against wearing contacts to bed. Basic hygiene steps, such as washing hands before handling lenses, using fresh disinfectant solution, replacing lens cases regularly, and never reusing old solution, can prevent most infections. But the single most important rule? Always take your lenses out before sleeping—no exceptions unless prescribed by a specialist.

Brian’s story serves as a powerful reminder that even one careless night can cause irreversible damage. Vision is easy to take for granted—until it’s compromised. Following safe contact lens habits isn’t just good practice; it’s critical for protecting your sight.