Chad Groeschen's experience highlights the dual nature of contact lenses: they provided him vision but ultimately led to its loss.
Misled by the “Night and Day” lenses, which are marketed as suitable for continuous wear, Groeschen awoke one morning with severe eye pain and impaired vision.
Groeschen, a Cincinnati resident, had developed a serious infection, likely due to prolonged use of extended-wear lenses. Now in need of a cornea transplant, he cautions others to "maintain impeccable hygiene" to avoid similar outcomes.
In 2015, Groeschen first noticed his eye discomfort, initially dismissing it as allergies.
He explained, “The kind of contacts I have are called ‘Night and Day’ contacts, and it was my impression you could leave them in for 30 days straight.”
Despite removing them weekly, this practice contributed to his condition. According to a 2013 study by the American Academy of Ophthalmology, wearing lenses overnight increases the risk of corneal infections.
Groeschen’s diagnosis revealed a corneal ulcer infected with Pseudomonas bacteria, which doctors attributed to the extended wear of his lenses. Within days, Groeschen, a sculptor, was facing potential blindness and the prospect of a corneal transplant.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that many contact lens users engage in risky behaviors, such as extending wear times, reusing solutions, and sleeping in lenses, which can jeopardize eye health.
Jennifer Cope, M.D., M.P.H., emphasizes the importance of proper lens care to prevent infections.
Similarly, Mike Krumholz’s experience underscores these risks. After a short nap in daily disposable lenses, Krumholz, now 22, developed a serious infection from the Acanthamoeba parasite, potentially leading to permanent blindness.
He recounts the debilitating pain and ongoing struggle with his vision.
To avoid such severe complications, the CDC advises contact lens users to follow these hygiene practices: wash hands before handling lenses, remove lenses before sleeping, showering, or swimming, clean and disinfect lenses regularly, and replace lens cases every three months.
Koerschner’s advice resonates: “If anything happens to your eye, seek a specialist immediately and maintain impeccable hygiene when it comes to your eyes.”
Share this information to help others avoid the dangers of improper contact lens use.
