Like many people who wear contact lenses, Grace Jamison left them in during a shower − and now, she's going blind.
In videos posted to her TikTok, the 20-year-old explained she was diagnosed with acanthamoeba keratitis, a rare but painful, vision-threatening infection. The posts have gone viral, with one video at more than 30 million views.
She described the infection as "essentially little amoebas (or) parasites that get embedded into your corneas," saying she contracted it after showering in the Dominican Republic. USA TODAY has reached out to Jamison for further comment.
Dr. Teri K. Geist, president of the American Optometric Association, said these videos are “an important reminder that water and contact lenses really do not mix.”
“Many people
may not think twice about bathing, showering, swimming or getting into a hot tub while wearing their contacts, but water exposure can introduce microorganisms that can cause serious eye infections,” she told USA TODAY.
Here's what to know about the infection and how to protect yourself.
@gracejamisonn In case you were wondering how I went blind from showering… because I was wearing contacts this allowed the ameobas that live in all water to get stuck on my eyes. They then embedded into my corneas and has been eating them for the past year. Please don’t make the same mistake I did. Please never sleep, shower, or swim in your contacts. It is not worth risking losing your vision. 🥲❤️🩹 eyeyeslblindlblindnessocontactlensesc#acanthamoeba
♬ pure sienna spiro - bella 𑣲
What is acanthamoeba keratitis?
Acanthamoeba itself is "one of the most common microorganisms in our environment and can be found in many different water sources," Geist explained. "What is rare is developing acanthamoeba keratitis, the serious infection of the cornea that we are talking about here."
Contact lens wearers are particularly at risk when lenses are exposed to water, whether from showering, bathing, swimming, soaking in a hot tub or using tap water to clean or store lenses or lens cases, she noted.
Simply encountering acanthamoeba does not mean you are going to develop an infection, Geist clarified. Most people will be exposed to acanthamoeba during their lifetime, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, since the ameba is found in soil and dust as well as fresh water, saltwater, pools and other water sources.
"The concern is the combination of contact lens wear, water exposure and improper lens care, which can create an opportunity for infection," she said.
Why have I never heard of this risk?
Commenters on Jamison's videos were quick to share that they weren't aware this was a potential risk.
"As a contact wearer I literally have never heard of this before and I’m shocked that nobody ever informed me. Thank you so much for sharing this," one user wrote.
"This is scary, I haven't taken mine out in like 6 months," another said.
Because contact lenses have become such a routine part of everyday life, it is easy to forget they are medical devices that require proper care, Geist said.
"Showering or swimming in contacts may seem harmless, especially if someone has done it before without a problem," she said. "Good habits need to be followed consistently, not just 'most of the time.' ... People may not appreciate how serious the consequences can be until they hear about a case like this."
What symptoms does acanthamoeba cause?
Jamison described acanthamoeba symptoms as "brutal" in one of her videos.
"There's a lot of eye pain. There's a lot of pain in your head. It goes everywhere," she said, adding it can also cause blindness or cloudiness in your vision. "It's really hard to sleep. It causes a lot of light sensitivity, and it is very, very hard to live with."
According to the American Optometric Association, symptoms can also include the feeling of something in the eye, excessive tearing and red, irritated eyes that last for an "unusually long time after removing your contact lenses."
Treatment of the infection may include removal of damaged tissues and topical agents for the infected area over months, the association notes.
Are there other infections to be aware of?
In short, yes. While acanthamoeba is "one particularly serious example," Geist said, it is "not the only reason we tell patients to keep contact lenses away from water."
"Water is not sterile and can contain bacteria and other microorganisms that we do not want trapped between a contact lens and the surface of the eye," she said. "That is why contact lenses should not be exposed to tap water, pool water, lake or ocean water, hot tubs or shower or bath water."
How can contact wearers protect themselves?
The most important thing contact lens wearers can do is "keep their lenses away from water and follow proper contact lens hygiene every day," Geist advised. Here are her suggestions.
- Remove your contacts before showering, swimming or using a hot tub.
- Never use tap water to clean, rinse or store your lenses or lens case.
- Always wash and dry your hands before handling contacts.
- Use only sterile contact lens products recommended by your optometrist.
- Use fresh disinfecting solution each time rather than topping off old solution.
- Replace your lenses according to the schedule prescribed by your doctor.
- Avoid sleeping in contacts unless specifically prescribed to do so.
Geist also said to "pay attention to what your eyes are telling you." If you develop persistent symptoms, contact your doctor promptly.
"With acanthamoeba keratitis in particular, early recognition is important because the infection can be difficult to treat and can threaten vision," she said.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: She's going blind from wearing contacts in the shower. Could it happen to you?
