Woman Goes Blind in One Eye After Swimming with Contact Lenses

In a shocking incident that serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with improper contact lens use, Woman Goes Blind in one eye after swimming with her contact lenses on.

This alarming incident highlights the dangers of a rare parasite infection called Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK), which can severely damage the cornea and cause blindness.

Ms. McCasland’s struggle is ongoing, as her treatment is slow and uncertain, and she faces the possibility of needing a cornea transplant. This blog delves into her harrowing experience, the nature of the infection, and the steps that can be taken to prevent such cases.

The Fateful Swimming Incident and Diagnosis Delays

In August, while visiting Alabama with her friends, Brooklyn McCasland decided to take a swim—an action that would have serious consequences. Unknowingly, she contracted the parasite Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK), a rare and dangerous amoeba that can wreak havoc on the cornea, leading to partial or complete vision loss. Like many contact lens wearers, Ms. McCasland was unaware of the significant risks associated with swimming while wearing lenses.

Initially, the symptoms of her infection were mistaken for other common eye infections. She was prescribed steroids and several other drops, but the condition only worsened.

As the infection spread, Ms. McCasland experienced excruciating pain, and within a short time, she lost vision completely in her right eye. This delay in receiving the correct diagnosis caused the infection to progress unchecked, making treatment more challenging.

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Despite seeing eye doctors frequently and being referred to multiple specialists, it took time to pinpoint the exact cause of her condition. When the diagnosis of Acanthamoeba keratitis was finally confirmed, the outlook was grim—there was a real chance she could lose her eye or remain permanently blind if the treatment wasn’t started immediately.

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Thankfully, her doctors were able to secure the necessary medication to begin treating the infection, but the road to recovery would be long and fraught with uncertainty.

The Battle Against Acanthamoeba Keratitis

Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is a rare but dangerous infection. According to the Cleveland Clinic, AK infections affect around 1,500 people in the U.S. each year, with contact lens wearers comprising 90% of these cases. The infection is caused by an amoeba that can be found in water, soil, and air, and it is particularly dangerous to individuals who wear contact lenses.

The parasite can become trapped between the lens and the eye, creating the perfect environment for it to thrive and damage the cornea.

Improper contact lens hygiene significantly increases the risk of contracting AK. This includes wearing lenses for extended periods, failing to store or clean them properly, and, most notably, swimming or showering with them on.

In Ms. McCasland’s case, the infection could have been avoided entirely had she removed her lenses before going swimming. Tragically, she learned this lesson in one of the most painful ways possible.

Treatment for AK is both difficult and slow. The drops needed to combat the infection are rare and not easily accessible, with Ms. McCasland noting that they are only made in the UK. Fortunately, her doctor’s office in Dallas had a few samples, allowing her to start treatment immediately.

These drops must be applied every 30 minutes due to the slow healing nature of the infection, and the treatment process can take months or even longer, with no guarantee of a full recovery.

The possibility of permanent vision loss looms large for Ms. McCasland. She shared that, while the infection has not worsened, it has not improved significantly either.

Her doctors have indicated that if the infection persists or causes further damage, she may need to undergo a cornea transplant to restore some degree of vision. This is a long and uncertain journey, and the emotional and physical toll of this ordeal is immense.

Raising Awareness and Preventing Future Cases

Ms. McCasland’s incident serves as a powerful cautionary tale for contact lens wearers everywhere. While Acanthamoeba keratitis is rare, its devastating impact underscores the importance of proper lens care and awareness of the risks involved with wearing them in environments like swimming pools, lakes, or even showers.

Ms. McCasland herself has expressed regret over not knowing the dangers beforehand, stating, “If I would have known that from not swimming in my contacts I could’ve avoided all of this pain, I would have never done it.”

For contact lens users, the message is clear: the risks of improper lens use far outweigh the convenience. The Cleveland Clinic recommends avoiding contact lens use while swimming, showering, or sleeping, as these activities can expose the lenses to harmful bacteria and amoebas.

Furthermore, following proper lens hygiene protocols, such as cleaning and storing lenses correctly, can significantly reduce the risk of contracting dangerous infections like AK.

In addition to raising awareness about the dangers of contact lens use, Ms. McCasland’s case highlights the need for faster diagnosis and treatment of rare eye infections. The delay in receiving the correct diagnosis contributed to the worsening of her condition, and more education is needed among healthcare professionals to recognize and treat such infections promptly.

For now, Ms. McCasland’s battle is far from over. She continues to put in the effort to save her vision, undergoing a slow and arduous healing process. Her experience serves as a stark warning for contact lens wearers and a reminder of the importance of being vigilant about eye health. As she hopes for a full recovery, she also hopes that her incident will help prevent others from experiencing the same pain and uncertainty she has endured.

Brooklyn McCasland’s journey is a sobering example of the hidden dangers contact lens wearers can face when they are unaware of the risks. Her accident is not just about vision loss—it is a powerful reminder of the importance of following proper contact lens hygiene and being aware of the potential dangers associated with certain environments.

Ms. McCasland’s ordeal underscores the need for greater awareness and education, both among contact lens users and healthcare providers, to prevent others from going through the same painful and life-altering experience.