For one 39-year-old man, what started as an ordinary, uneventful morning quickly turned into a frightening medical emergency. At first, he noticed only a mild irritation in his eye—something so subtle that most contact lens users would hardly pay attention to it. But as the hours passed, that slight irritation evolved into persistent discomfort, burning, and a sense that something was seriously wrong. The pain intensified to the point that he could no longer carry on with his normal routine, forcing him to seek professional help.
When he arrived at the Cincinnati Eye Institute, specialists conducted a thorough examination. What they found beneath his contact lens was alarming: a severe and rapidly progressing infection. The source was Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a highly aggressive bacterium notorious for attacking the cornea and causing corneal ulcers. These ulcers can develop quickly and are considered one of the most dangerous forms of eye infections because they can destroy healthy tissue in a matter of hours if untreated.
Doctors traced the infection back to a habit many people underestimate—sleeping with contact lenses in. Despite the marketing claims of certain lenses being “overnight safe” or “extended-wear approved,” eye care professionals have long warned that keeping lenses on while sleeping significantly increases the risk of bacterial contamination. When the eyelids are closed, the eye receives less oxygen, creating a warm, moist environment that allows harmful bacteria like Pseudomonas to thrive.
Both the American Academy of Ophthalmology and his treating physician stressed that removing contact lenses before going to sleep is one of the most essential steps in protecting long-term eye health. Their message was clear: even one night of sleeping with lenses can open the door to serious, vision-threatening infections.
Unfortunately, despite the doctors’ quick intervention and strong antibiotic treatment, the infection had already caused substantial damage. The aggressive bacteria left visible scarring across the cornea, which led to a major decline in his vision. The damage was so severe that a corneal transplant became the only option to restore any degree of normal sight.
This ordeal didn’t just affect his vision—it disrupted his daily life and had consequences for his career, limiting tasks that required clear eyesight. Simple activities he once took for granted became difficult. His experience stands as a powerful reminder of how easily eye health can be compromised by habits that seem harmless at first glance.
To reduce the risk of such infections, experts strongly recommend following strict contact lens hygiene: always remove lenses before sleeping, wash hands thoroughly before touching them, clean lens cases regularly, use fresh disinfecting solution every time, and go for routine eye exams. His story demonstrates that small decisions in everyday routines can lead to profound consequences—and that proper lens care is essential for maintaining healthy, clear vision over the long term.
