A seemingly harmless nap turned into a life-changing ordeal for a Florida man who lost vision in one eye after sleeping with his contact lenses in. While many contact lens users may have done the same without consequence, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks. Here’s what happened and what you can learn from this cautionary tale.
A Simple Nap Turns Alarming

Mike Krumholz, a 21-year-old college student, had no reason to think his 40-minute nap would have serious repercussions. He’d been wearing contact lenses for years and had occasionally forgotten to remove them before sleeping. On December 19, 2022, after his nap, Mike woke up with his right eye feeling irritated and inflamed. Assuming it was a minor issue, he removed his contacts and expected the discomfort to fade. However, the irritation persisted. The following day, he visited an optometrist and was misdiagnosed with the herpes simplex 1 virus, which can sometimes affect the eyes. Despite this treatment, his symptoms worsened, and his vision in the affected eye became increasingly blurry.
The Real Culprit: Acanthamoeba Keratitis

After weeks of escalating pain and vision problems, Mike sought help at a hospital, where extensive testing revealed the real cause: Acanthamoeba keratitis. This rare but serious infection is caused by a single-celled amoeba commonly found in water, soil, and air. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the condition affects the cornea, the transparent outer layer of the eye, and is most commonly seen in contact lens wearers.
Symptoms of Acanthamoeba keratitis include redness, blurred vision, pain, sensitivity to light, excessive tearing, and the sensation of a foreign object in the eye. The CDC warns that improper handling or storage of contact lenses, as well as exposure to contaminated water while wearing them, can increase the risk of infection.
The Harrowing Treatment Process

To combat the infection, Mike underwent a procedure called photodynamic therapy. This involved manipulating the white of his eye to cover the pupil, aiming to fight the parasite. Unfortunately, the treatment came too late to save his vision. In his right eye, he now perceives only static-like flashes of black and gray.
Mike described the pain as unbearable, stating, “It’s like a constant shock, a constant pain. I’m pretty proud of my pain tolerance, but I have been screaming in pain. I wish I was exaggerating.” He explained that the pain often felt relentless, leaving him unable to concentrate on everyday tasks. The recovery process was equally grueling, requiring constant monitoring and multiple follow-up visits with specialists. Despite the treatment’s failure to restore his vision, Mike remains hopeful that future advancements in medical technology might offer a solution.
The Aftermath and Raising Awareness

The ordeal has disrupted Mike’s life significantly. He is not currently eligible for an eye transplant, and the severity of his condition forced him to pause his studies. Determined to prevent others from facing a similar fate, Mike has turned to social media to raise awareness about the dangers of wearing contact lenses while sleeping. Using platforms like TikTok, he shares his experience and urges contact lens users to prioritize proper hygiene and avoid risky habits. His message resonates with many who, like him, had previously underestimated the potential dangers. Mike’s candid posts about his struggles have drawn attention from thousands of viewers, sparking important conversations about eye health. Many of his followers have shared their own experiences, expressing gratitude for the awareness his story has brought to the risks of improper lens use. Despite his personal challenges, Mike remains committed to educating others, turning his painful experience into a powerful call for prevention.
How to Protect Your Eyes:

Contact lenses offer convenience and improved vision, but they require proper care to avoid potential complications. Mike Krumholz’s harrowing experience underscores the importance of responsible habits. Here are five critical lessons every contact lens wearer should follow to maintain eye health and prevent infections.
Never Sleep in Contact Lenses

Unless specifically approved by your eye doctor, sleeping in contact lenses is a major risk factor for eye infections. During sleep, lenses can trap bacteria or other microorganisms against the cornea, creating a breeding ground for infections like Acanthamoeba keratitis. Even extended-wear lenses, designed for overnight use, can increase the risk if hygiene practices are not followed rigorously. Always remove your lenses before resting to give your eyes a break and reduce the chance of irritation. Sleeping in contacts also reduces oxygen flow to the cornea, which can weaken the eye’s defenses against harmful microbes. This can lead to long-term complications if done repeatedly. Prioritize removing your lenses as part of your daily routine to maintain optimal eye health.
Avoid Water Exposure While Wearing Contacts

Water and contact lenses do not mix. Whether it’s swimming in a pool, showering, or relaxing in a hot tub, exposing your lenses to water can introduce harmful microorganisms to your eyes. Contaminants like Acanthamoeba thrive in water and can latch onto lenses, leading to serious infections. To protect your eyes, remove your lenses before engaging in water-related activities, and always use sterile solutions for cleaning, not tap water. Even small exposures, like rinsing lenses in tap water, can be risky, as it may carry harmful bacteria or parasites. Carrying a lens case and solution while traveling can help you maintain proper hygiene. Developing these habits can save you from the pain and complications associated with waterborne eye infections.
Clean Lenses Properly

Proper cleaning of your lenses is non-negotiable. Always use a solution recommended by your eye care provider, and never attempt to clean your lenses with tap water or saliva. These contain bacteria and other impurities that can cause infections. Regularly clean your contact lens case, replace it every few months, and follow the cleaning instructions on your lens care products. Failing to clean your lenses properly can lead to protein deposits on the lens surface, which can irritate the eye and reduce comfort. Additionally, dirty lens cases can harbor pathogens that transfer to your lenses during storage. By committing to a thorough cleaning regimen, you significantly reduce the risk of harmful infections.
Replace Lenses as Directed

Contact lenses are not designed to last forever. Whether you wear daily, weekly, or monthly lenses, adhering to the recommended replacement schedule is crucial. Using lenses beyond their lifespan increases the risk of protein buildup, irritation, and infection. Always dispose of lenses on time and keep a backup pair to avoid the temptation of overusing old ones. Overworn lenses can lose their integrity, making them more likely to tear or cause discomfort. Furthermore, expired lenses may no longer fit your eye properly, increasing the chance of damage to the cornea. Sticking to the replacement schedule is an easy yet effective way to protect your vision and maintain comfort.
Visit an Eye Doctor Regularly

Regular eye check-ups are essential for all contact lens wearers. An optometrist can assess your eye health, monitor for any issues, and ensure your prescription is up to date. If you experience any discomfort, redness, or blurred vision, don’t delay seeking professional advice. Early intervention can prevent minor issues from turning into serious conditions. Routine eye exams can also help identify underlying health problems, as some systemic diseases manifest first in the eyes. Your doctor can provide guidance on proper lens care tailored to your specific needs. Regular visits are an investment in your long-term eye health and peace of mind.
The Long-Term Implications of Neglecting Eye Health

Mike’s experience highlights the broader consequences of neglecting proper eye care, especially for contact lens users. Beyond the immediate risk of infection, improper contact lens hygiene can lead to long-term complications such as corneal scarring, chronic vision impairment, and even permanent blindness. These outcomes can drastically affect not just vision but also overall quality of life, including the ability to work, study, and engage in daily activities. For individuals who rely on contacts, understanding the seriousness of these risks is essential. Preventive measures, regular eye exams, and adherence to safe practices can help avoid these devastating outcomes, ensuring that what happened to Mike doesn’t become a reality for others. His story serves as a crucial reminder to prioritize eye health before it’s too late.
Conclusion: Protecting Your Vision

Mike’s story is a sobering reminder of how a simple oversight can lead to life-altering consequences. Contact lenses are a convenient tool for vision correction, but they require diligent care to prevent infections like Acanthamoeba keratitis. By following proper hygiene practices and being mindful of the risks, contact lens users can safeguard their vision and avoid similar tragedies. Take this as a wake-up call to prioritize your eye health—your vision is too valuable to take for granted. Adopting proactive habits, such as cleaning lenses properly and avoiding risky behaviors, can make a significant difference in preventing complications. Educating yourself about potential risks and seeking immediate medical attention at the first sign of discomfort can save your sight. Ultimately, a few minutes of care each day is a small price to pay for a lifetime of healthy vision.