Thirty-nine-year-old Brian Groeschen assumed a mild irritation when he woke with a scratchy eye—until doctors at the Cincinnati Eye Institute diagnosed a corneal ulcer caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, an aggressive bacterium that thrived between his overnight-worn soft contact lens and his eye.

Though his lenses were labeled “extended-wear,” ophthalmologists warn that sleeping in any contact lens dramatically increases infection risk by blocking oxygen and trapping bacteria. “We see the worst corneal ulcers in patients who wear lenses to bed,” says Dr. William Faulkner.

Despite prompt antibiotic treatment, Brian’s ulcer left a permanent scar on his cornea, reducing vision so severely that he needed a transplant—and endured months of recovery that interrupted both work and daily life.

To protect your eyes, remove lenses before sleep (even “breathable” ones), wash and dry hands carefully, use fresh disinfecting solution each time, replace your case regularly, and stick to the recommended replacement schedule. Regular eye exams will ensure your lenses fit properly and your corneas stay healthy—small habits that can prevent serious, sight-threatening complications.