Safety
Warning Issued After Contact Lens User Suffers Vision Loss
A 20-year-old woman has shared her experience of permanent vision damage caused by a rare infection linked to wearing contact lenses while showering.
According to a report by Khaosod Online Thailand published on September 7, 2026, a 20-year-old woman named Grace Jamison has issued a public warning regarding the risks of wearing contact lenses while showering. Jamison recounted that at age 19, while living in the Dominican Republic, she contracted Acanthamoeba keratitis, a severe corneal infection caused by a microorganism commonly found in water and soil.
After returning to the United States, her condition deteriorated rapidly, leading to total vision loss within one week. Although she initially received an incorrect diagnosis, subsequent medical evaluation confirmed the parasitic infection. Following two months of blindness, she regained partial vision in her left eye, while her right eye remains severely damaged with scarring over the pupil.
Ophthalmologists explain that contact lenses can cause microscopic abrasions on the cornea, compromising the eye's natural defenses. If contaminated water becomes trapped between the lens and the eye, it can facilitate a severe infection. While Acanthamoeba keratitis is rare, it is notoriously difficult to treat because the organism can form resistant cysts. For residents and travelers, this case highlights the importance of avoiding water exposure while wearing lenses. It remains to be confirmed if specific regional water conditions contributed to the initial infection, though medical experts emphasize that the risk exists wherever such microorganisms are present in water sources.