Grace Jamison, a twenty-year-old traveler, recently shared a harrowing experience regarding her vision after a trip to the Dominican Republic.
While on vacation, she wore her contact lenses while showering, unaware of the potential risks associated with tap water exposure.
A microscopic parasite present in the water became trapped beneath her lenses and eventually embedded itself into her corneas.
This led to a severe and aggressive infection that rapidly compromised her ability to see.
Initially, medical professionals misdiagnosed the condition and prescribed steroid eye drops to manage the inflammation.
Unfortunately, the steroid treatment inadvertently worsened the parasitic activity within her eyes.
Within just one week of the initial symptoms, Jamison lost all vision in both of her eyes.
Following a correct diagnosis, she began a rigorous and intensive anti-parasitic treatment regimen.
This medical protocol requires the administration of specialized eye drops every thirty to sixty minutes.
Doctors expect this demanding treatment process to continue for six months to a full year.
Currently, Jamison has managed to regain only partial vision in her left eye, while her right eye remains severely affected.
Her story serves as a critical reminder of the strict hygiene standards required for contact lens wearers.
Experts emphasize that contact lenses should never come into contact with any form of water, including tap water, swimming pools, or hot tubs.
Tap water often contains various microorganisms that are generally harmless when ingested but can be devastating to ocular tissue.
Acanthamoeba keratitis is one such rare but serious infection that specifically targets the cornea.
The parasite can cause permanent scarring or even total blindness if not identified and treated correctly in its early stages.
Many users are unaware that even a brief exposure to water while wearing lenses can lead to life-altering consequences.
Jamison is now using her platform to advocate for better education regarding eye health and contact lens safety.
She hopes that by sharing her journey, others will avoid making the same mistake during their daily routines or travels.
Proper care involves using only sterile solutions and ensuring hands are completely dry before handling lenses.