What is acanthamoeba keratitis?

Key Points:

• Grace Jamison, a 20-year-old contact lens wearer, is going blind after developing acanthamoeba keratitis, a rare but serious eye infection caused by amoebas embedded in the cornea, likely contracted after showering with lenses in the Dominican Republic.
• The American Optometric Association warns that water exposure while wearing contact lenses—such as showering, swimming, or using tap water for lens care—can introduce harmful microorganisms that cause infections like acanthamoeba keratitis.
• Symptoms of acanthamoeba keratitis include severe eye and head pain, light sensitivity, redness, excessive tearing, and potential vision cloudiness or blindness; treatment is lengthy and may involve tissue removal and topical medications.
• Many contact lens users are unaware of the risks associated with water exposure, underscoring the importance of proper lens hygiene and consistent habits to prevent serious infections.
• To protect eye health, experts advise removing contacts before water exposure, never using tap water for lens care, washing hands before handling lenses, using sterile solutions, following replacement schedules, avoiding sleeping in lenses unless prescribed, and seeking prompt medical attention for persistent eye symptoms.