The importance of proper contact lens hygiene cannot be overstated. Cincinnati resident Chad Groeschen learned this the hard way when a simple mistake led to devastating consequences. Sleeping with contact lenses in may seem like a minor indiscretion, but the story of Chad’s ordeal serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks. This article delves into Chad’s experience, sheds light on the dangers of contact lens misuse, and provides basic tips for safe and healthy contact lens wear.
Unfortunately, Chad Groeschen was tricked by the “Night and Day” contact and made a critical mistake that caused him to lose his sight.
One Cincinnati man in particular decided to spend a few nights wearing his glasses. Suddenly he began to feel an unbearable torment.
“In the middle of the day, my eyes started to itch and I poked them out, thinking it was probably an allergy. The next morning, the vision in my left eye started to blur,” he began his narration.
“The kinds of contacts I have are called ‘Night and Day’ contacts, and I was under the impression you could leave them in for 30 days straight,” Groeschen told USA Today. He said he took his lenses out about once a week. I figured the less messing around with my eyes the better.
This man did not realize that there was still a significant chance of infection, which happened to him even though he was advised that he could wear the lenses advertised for “continuous wear” for about a week at a time.
After seeing a specialist, Chad learned that he had a corneal ulcer filled with Pseudomonas bacteria, which was thought to have been caused by his contact lenses. The contact lens served as a petri dish for the bacteria that eventually invaded his eye, the researchers added.
Chad needs a corneal transplant to regain vision in his left eye.
“Good vision contributes to the overall well-being and independence of people of all ages, so it’s important that you don’t skimp on healthy contact lens wear and care,” says CDC medical epidemiologist Jennifer Cope, MD, MPH. According to her, “We find that many wearers are unsure of how to properly wear and care for their contact lenses.”
According to reports, improper use and care of contact lenses puts many people at risk of eye infections. Every year, one in 500 people is affected by serious eye infections that can quickly cause vision loss or even complete blindness.
Besides Chad, there are more people sharing their stories to spread awareness.
22-year-old Mike Krumholz, who took a 40-minute nap and left his daily disposable contacts in his eyes, is another young person who could easily go completely blind. After his nap, he showered and took out his lenses before going to bed. He woke up the next morning with an itchy, light-sensitive “bulging” eye.
Unfortunately, he had Acanthamoeba keratitis, a rare parasite that can lead to blindness.
“I can’t imagine any agony worse than this anywhere in the world. Even the most effective drugs have no effect. The most difficult aspect is that at the age of 21, I don’t know if I will ever see again. My eye, Krumholz said in a blog post. “I haven’t been able to go outside for over 30 days and I have the hurricane shutters down to keep the light out.”
Krumholz was informed that treatment for the parasites would take several months, after which he could be ready for a corneal transplant to remove the infected area of ​​the eye.
I don’t know how much of my sight I will get back, but I know I will never see completely again, he added.
Below are some recommendations to avoid eye infections:
- Wash and dry your hands thoroughly before handling contact lenses.
- Remove contacts before sleeping, showering, or swimming.
- When removing contacts, users should wipe and rinse them in disinfectant
- After each use, store the case upside down with the caps removed, clean, rinse, and dry with a clean cloth.
- Change contact lens cases at least once every three months.
- Avoid “topping up” (combining new solution with old solution) of the solution in the lens case.
- Carry a spare pair of glasses in case you need to remove your contact lenses.
- Never go to sleep with contact lenses.
Conclusion:
Chad Groeschen’s unfortunate experience serves as a powerful reminder of the potential consequences of improper contact lens wear. Contact lenses can greatly improve vision and comfort, but they also require responsible use and careful hygiene. By following these simple but important guidelines, contact lens wearers can reduce the risk of eye infections and ensure the continued health of their eyes. Proper eye care is paramount and begins with informed and responsible contact lens use.
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