A young woman from the United States recently had a tragic experience lose sight After suffering from a rare eye infection caused by a parasite due to swimming while wearing contact lenses. Brooklyn McCasland, 23, was vacationing in Alabama with friends in August when she encountered the parasite Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK), a rare amoeba that can infect the cornea, potentially causing severe vision loss or blindness. It is possible

Following the infection, McCasland was initially treated for what doctors suspected was a more common eye infection, and was prescribed steroids along with several other eye drops. “This infection mimics other common infections, so at that time I was given steroids and some other drops,” she shared on her GoFundMe page, which she created to help cover medical expenses.

However, as the symptoms became more severe, McCasland’s condition deteriorated. She described experiencing “the most pain” she had ever felt, and eventually becoming completely blind in her right eye. Desperate for answers, she sought care from several eye specialists, undergoing frequent visits every two days. Ultimately, test results confirmed that she had Acanthamoeba keratitis. The delay in receiving an accurate diagnosis contributed to the progression of the infection, increasing the risk of permanent blindness or even losing the affected eye.

Due to the rarity of this infection, the specific eye drops needed for treatment are not widely available and are only manufactured in the UK. Fortunately, a Dallas clinic was able to provide McCasland with some samples, allowing him to begin treatment without any delay. “I have to put drops in my eyes every 30 minutes because it’s a very slow healing process,” he said. Grateful that her condition was finally diagnosed, she added, “If I had known that I could have avoided all this pain by not swimming with my contacts in, I never would have done it.”

According to the Cleveland Clinic, Acanthamoeba keratitis infection affects about 1,500 individuals in the US each year, with 90 percent of cases occurring in contact lens wearers. Common risk factors include wearing contact lenses for long periods of time, improper storage or cleaning, and wearing them while swimming or bathing.

Safety Tips for Contact Lens Wearers Entering the Pool

– Avoid swimming with contacts: To reduce the risk of infection, it is best to remove contact lenses before swimming. Even chlorinated water can contain harmful microorganisms, and can trap contact bacteria, allowing them to remain in contact with the eyes for long periods of time.

– Consider prescription goggles: If vision correction is needed while swimming, prescription glasses provide a safe alternative to contact lenses. They protect the eyes from contact with water while providing clear vision.

– Use daily disposable lenses if necessary: If you must swim with contact lenses, consider wearing daily disposable lenses and discard them immediately after swimming. This reduces the risk of harmful bacteria entering the eyes from water.

– Wear watertight goggles: For those who choose to wear contacts while swimming, wearing watertight swimming goggles can provide an extra layer of protection, reducing the chance of water inhaling.

– Thoroughly clean and disinfect the lens after exposure: If your contacts have been exposed to water, clean and disinfect them thoroughly with a solution approved for contact lenses. Avoid tap water or home-made saline solutions, as these may contain bacteria or amoebas that can cause serious eye infections.

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