What if the very thing you believe will improve your life ends up taking something priceless away from you?
That’s the chilling reality Chad Groeschen faced when his long-term reliance on contact lenses left him nearly blind in one eye. Many of us consider contact lenses a convenient tool for better vision, trusting the claims of safety and advanced technology.
But what if those promises come with hidden dangers? Chad’s story is a stark reminder of the dangers that can lurk behind the marketing of “continuous wear” products.
The only thing that helped Chad Groeschen See also took his sight
Chad Groeschen of Cincinnati discovered the hard way that the same contact lenses designed to improve his vision ended up causing him to lose it. Fooled by the promises of “Night and Day” contact lenses that advertise extended wear — even overnight — he woke up one morning in excruciating pain and unable to see clearly.
After wearing the lenses for several nights in a row without removing them, Groeschen developed a severe infection. He now requires a corneal transplant and urges others to prioritize strict hygiene practices to avoid a similar outcome.
In 2015, at the age of 39, Groeschen woke up with a sharp pain in his left eye and noticed that his vision had become cloudy. “It started as an itch in the middle of the day,” he recalled. “I thought it was just allergies, so I took my contacts out. The next morning my left eye was cloudy.”
He wore the “Night and Day” lenses, assuming he could wear them for up to 30 days as advertised. “I only removed them about once a week because I thought it was better not to mess with my eyes,” Groeschen said. Unfortunately, this decision came at a high cost.
Although they are marketed as suitable for continuous wear, research by the American Academy of Ophthalmology shows that sleeping in contact lenses significantly increases the risk of eye infections. When Groeschen sought medical attention, experts diagnosed him with a corneal ulcer infected with Pseudomonas bacteria, likely caused by long-term contact lens wear.
Doctors explained that the lenses created a breeding ground for bacteria, which ultimately led to his condition. For the sculptor, the loss of vision in his left eye was devastating and he now faces the daunting prospect of a corneal transplant.
Eye care habits are at risk for millions.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that a significant number of America’s 41 million contact lens wearers engage in behaviors that endanger their eye health. The study found:
• 82.3% of wearers wear lenses longer than recommended.
• More than 50% do not change their lens solution regularly.
• Half of users admit that they sleep in their lenses, even occasionally.
Dr. Jennifer Cope, a CDC medical epidemiologist, emphasized the importance of proper lens care, stating, “Good vision is essential for overall well-being and independence, so following lens care guidelines is essential.”
Each year, about 1 in 500 contact lens wearers develop a serious eye infection that can potentially lead to blindness.
Another tragic case of lens-related vision loss
In December 2022, 22-year-old Mike Krumholz faced a rare and debilitating eye infection after taking a short nap while wearing one-day contact lenses. After 40 minutes of sleep, he took off his lenses, showered, and went to sleep without even thinking about it.
The next day, Krumholz woke up with a painfully itchy, discharge-filled eye that was sensitive to light. He initially thought it was an allergic reaction, but doctors later diagnosed him with Acanthamoeba keratitis – a rare parasitic infection that can cause permanent blindness.
The infection was likely brought on by sleeping in his lenses, which allowed the parasite to invade his cornea. Krumholz described the experience as painful, saying, “There is no pain worse than this. Even the strongest drugs barely help.” At just 21 years old, he faced the possibility that he would never fully regain his vision.
After his diagnosis, Krumholz endured more than a month confined indoors with the hurricane shutters closed to block out the light. Although treatment helped, he was told his best chance of recovery would come after the parasite was eradicated, followed by a cornea transplant in late 2023.
“I don’t know how much vision I’ll get back, but I’m hoping for the best,” he said.
CDC recommendations for eye health
To prevent infections and maintain healthy vision, the CDC recommends that contact lens wearers follow these best practices:
1. Wash and dry your hands: Before handling lenses, wash and dry your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
2. Remove lenses before bed: Never sleep, sw,im, or shower with contact lenses.
3. Disinfect the lenses regularly: Always clean the lenses with a fresh disinfectant solution after each use.
4. Cleaning the lens cases: Rinse the lens cases with fresh solution, dry them with a cloth, and store them upside down with the caps removed.
5. Replace lens cases: Replace the case every three months or sooner if necessary.
6. “Do not top up” solution: Do not add fresh solution to old solution in the lens case.
7. Have spare glasses: Keep a spare pair of glasses for when you need to remove your lenses.
Eye specialists stress the importance of seeking immediate medical attention for any eye discomfort or unusual symptoms. Following strict hygiene practices may seem tedious, but it can save your eyesight in the long run.
Conclusion
The experiences of Chad Groeschen and Mike Krumholz highlight the serious risks associated with the improper use of contact lenses. What starts as a small oversight—like sleeping in your lenses or neglecting to clean them properly—can escalate into severe infections and permanent vision loss. Their stories serve as cautionary tales for millions of contact lens wearers around the world.
Maintaining good eye hygiene, following recommended wear schedules, and promptly addressing any discomfort are not just optional measures—they are essential to preserving vision. Simple steps like washing your hands, changing your lens case regularly, and avoiding prolonged wear can make a big difference.
Eyes are one of our most important senses and protecting them should always be a priority. By heeding these warnings and following professional guidelines, you can avoid the devastating consequences of preventable infections and ensure your vision remains clear and healthy for years to come.