The scary link between contact lenses, swimming, and poor hygiene

How can you be sure your contact lenses are free from bacteria and parasites?

A student in the UK was nearly blinded recently as a parasite burrowed itself into one of her eyeballs. What Jessica Greaney, 18, initially considered an eye infection could have left her blind forever. To her horror, she had already contracted Acanthamoeba keratitis.

The parasite Acanthamoeba, first recognized in 1973, causes Acanthamoeba keratitis which is a rare disease in which amoebae invade the cornea , the transparent outer covering, of the eye. Of all the individuals diagnosed with Acanthamoeba keratitis, 85% wear contact lenses. This led to the grim conclusion that poor hygiene and immersion in unsanitary water and dirty conditions were the main causes of how one gets the parasite.

Acanthamoeba species have been isolated from many different sources, such as fresh water, seawater, chlorinated water from swimming pools, dental treatment units, and contact lens cases. Simple tap water used in cleaning lenses and bathing is also a source.

The parasite traps itself between the lens and the eye, thus allowing it to burrow into the eyeball. In time, the infection causes severe inflammation, intense pain and impaired vision, which is can leave you blind if left untreated. To put it graphically, the parasite eats its way into the eyeball layer by layer.

Jessica Greaney was lucky enough to have received treatment when she did. It all started out when she simply splashed tap water on her contact lenses. A week later, her eye was red, painful, and bulging. Greaney describe it “a huge red golf ball.” Her treatments  included clamping her eye open, keeping her awake, scraping off layers of tissue, and repeated eye drops.

Millions use contact lenses every single day to improve their vision and get rid of the hassle that wearing glasses may bring. It is, however, crucial to be extra careful when handling the lenses and follow the proper steps in cleaning them.

Of course, as technology moves forward, the need to replace glasses with contact lenses may be eliminated completely–so does the need to wear contact lenses at all. A recent invention called the ‘Bionic Lens’ is currently undergoing human testing and, once proven safe for use, may revolutionize the world of vision. (See article here.)

But in the meantime, for contact lens users, keep in mind these three cardinal rules:

1. Always wash your hands and follow all instructions in handling and storing contact lenses properly.
2. Reusable lenses should be cleaned and disinfected with powerful lens disinfecting solutions every day.
3. Contact lens wearers should apply makeup only after lenses are put in to avoid contact with eyeliner or mascara.

Follow proper hygiene above all whether you may be in a luxury resort or the community swimming pool. Spare yourself from Acanthamoeba and that horrible feeling of a parasite burrowing into your eye.

Banner photo from gizmag.com.