Swimming With Contact Lenses Causes A Woman To Go Blind In One Eye, 5 Safety Measures For Contact Lenses

A 23-year-old woman's life took a devastating turn after a seemingly harmless swim. Brooklyn McCasland contracted a rare parasite infection, acanthamoeba keratitis (AK), while swimming with her contact lenses on. This microscopic amoeba can cause severe damage to the cornea, leading to vision loss. This infection acts like other common infections and thus Ms. McCasland was placed on steroids and a few other drops. But there was still a delay in the treatment causing her issues to get worse and the pain growing. She exclaimed that she was in the most pain she had ever experienced which eventually was followed by her losing her vision in the right eye.

Delayed Diagnosis and Worsening Conditions

Once diagnosed, McCasland was immediately started on a specialized treatment regimen. However, due to the rarity of the infection, the necessary medication had to be sourced from the UK. Despite the aggressive treatment, her recovery is uncertain. Doctors have warned her that she may require a cornea transplant to restore her vision. The doctors luckily had a few sample drops of the medicine she needed so she started on them while they imported more from the US. She had to apply these every 30 minutes and understands that this is a slow process. Ms. McCasland says that she is thankful that the doctors knew exactly what the infection was so that she got the treatment she needed, she also adds that she would’ve never gone swimming with contact lenses had she known what the consequences could’ve been.

Acanthamoeba keratitis is a serious but preventable condition. By following proper contact lens hygiene practices, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of infection. It is crucial to avoid wearing contact lenses while swimming or showering and to clean and store them correctly.

McCasland's unfortunate experience serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of these precautions. By sharing her story, she hopes to raise awareness and prevent others from suffering a similar fate.

Contact Lens Safety Measures

Eyes are really sensitive and need to be dealt with delicately especially when it comes to contact lenses. Here are some safety measures you should practice with them. In case you feel any irritation or pain in your eyes please visit the emergency health facility closest to you without delay.

Replace Your Lens Case Regularly

A common mistake among contact lens wearers is neglecting to replace their lens case regularly. Even with proper cleaning, cases can accumulate harmful germs over time. These germs can lead to serious eye infections when they come into contact with your eyes.

Avoid Sleeping or Napping in Your Contacts:

Sleeping in contact lenses significantly increases your risk of developing eye infections. This can lead to microbial keratitis, a painful condition that can cause inflammation of the cornea and, in severe cases, permanent vision loss or blindness.

Don't Swim or Shower in Your Contact Lenses:

Waterborne germs can easily attach to your contact lenses and infect your eyes. Wearing contacts while swimming or showering can put you at risk for Acanthamoeba keratitis, a serious eye infection caused by an amoeba commonly found in water. These infections can be extremely painful and difficult to treat.

Wash Your Hands Before Handling Your Contacts:

Germs on your hands can transfer to your contact lenses and lens case. To minimize the risk of infection, always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching your contacts.

Schedule Regular Eye Exams

Annual eye exams are essential for maintaining healthy contact lens wear. Your eye doctor can assess your eye health, identify any potential issues, and provide guidance on proper contact lens care.