A woman has shared a cautionary tale about the dangers of sleeping in contact lenses, revealing her own experience of permanent scarring as a result. Sara Chambers took to TikTok to share her ordeal, which has since gone viral, in an effort to warn others about the potential consequences of neglecting to remove contact lenses before sleeping.

With an estimated one in six Americans wearing contact lenses, Sara’s story serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved. In her TikTok video, she displayed the consequences of her actions, including an eye ulcer and the subsequent need to wear both glasses and sunglasses simultaneously as her eye heals.

Initially mistaking her condition for pink eye, Sara’s situation escalated when she discovered that she had developed an ulcer on her pupil. She explained that wearing contact lenses constantly causes microscopic scratches on the eye, and failing to remove them at night prevents the eyes from healing, leaving them vulnerable to bacterial infection and potential ulceration.

According to Sara, her doctor warned that the ulcer could result in permanent scarring and even necessitate a cornea transplant if left untreated. Additionally, sleeping with contact lenses in can lead to various infections, including bacterial keratitis, acanthamoeba keratitis, and fungal keratitis, which may ultimately lead to vision loss or blindness.

Ultimately, Sara’s experience serves as a crucial reminder to prioritize eye health and avoid the potential risks associated with sleeping in contact lenses. It is essential for contact lens wearers to adhere to proper hygiene practices and remove their lenses before sleeping to mitigate the risk of serious eye conditions.

As Sara’s story continues to garner attention, it underscores the importance of raising awareness about the potential hazards of neglecting contact lens care, particularly in the context of maintaining optimal eye health.