A 23-year-old woman from Texas, Brooklyn McCasland, has endured a harrowing experience after contracting a rare parasitic infection in her eye, leading to severe complications including blindness. The incident occurred during a trip to Alabama in August, when McCasland went swimming while wearing her contact lenses.
The infection, known as acanthamoeba keratitis (AK), is caused by a free-living amoeba that can severely damage the cornea and result in vision loss. According to the Cleveland Clinic, this type of infection is particularly concerning for contact lens wearers, who account for approximately 90% of the estimated 1,500 annual cases in the United States.
McCasland described her ordeal, stating, “I was in the most pain I’ve ever experienced and eventually went fully blind in my right eye.” Initially, her symptoms were misdiagnosed, leading to a delay in proper treatment. She received steroids and various eye drops, but the infection continued to worsen.
As her condition deteriorated, McCasland sought help from multiple eye specialists, visiting a doctor every two days in search of relief and answers. It was only after extensive testing that she was diagnosed with acanthamoeba keratitis. The diagnosis came with a dire warning: without immediate treatment, she faced the possibility of permanent blindness or the loss of her eye.
Due to the rarity of the infection, the medications required for treatment are not commonly available in the United States and are primarily manufactured in the UK. Fortunately, the eye clinic in Dallas had a few samples on hand, allowing McCasland to begin her treatment promptly.
Currently, McCasland must administer eye drops every 30 minutes as part of her recovery process, which she describes as a slow healing journey. Reflecting on her experience, she expressed gratitude for finally receiving the correct diagnosis and treatment, stating, “I’m thankful that we know exactly what it is and I’m able to start the correct treatment.” However, she also lamented the pain and suffering she could have avoided had she known the risks associated with swimming in contact lenses.
Experts emphasize that wearing contact lenses while swimming or showering significantly increases the risk of infections like acanthamoeba keratitis. Additional factors that contribute to the risk include wearing lenses for extended periods, improper storage, and insufficient cleaning practices. Minor abrasions on the cornea caused by contact lens wear can also serve as entry points for the amoeba.
McCasland’s story serves as a cautionary tale for contact lens users, highlighting the importance of understanding the potential dangers associated with improper lens care and usage. As she continues her treatment, her experience underscores the need for heightened awareness regarding eye health and safety practices for contact lens wearers.
In light of this incident, eye care professionals are reiterating the importance of following proper hygiene and care guidelines for contact lenses. They recommend that wearers should always remove their lenses before swimming, avoid using tap water to rinse lenses, and adhere strictly to the recommended cleaning and storage protocols to minimize the risk of infections.
As McCasland navigates her recovery, she hopes to raise awareness about the risks associated with contact lens use, especially in water-related activities. Her journey serves as a reminder to prioritize eye health and be vigilant about the practices that can help prevent serious infections.
