US Woman Nearly Blinded After Showering with Contact Lenses
AM730 · 2 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago2 MIN
Summary
A 19-year-old American woman named Grace Jamison suffered a life-changing eye infection after wearing contact lenses while showering in the Dominican Republic in June 2025. The infection, caused by Acanthamoeba organisms found in water, resulted in Acanthamoeba keratitis, a serious condition that proved extremely difficult to treat. Doctors initially misdiagnosed the condition as a herpes infection and prescribed steroid eye drops, which actually exacerbated the problem. After nearly two months of near-blindness, Jamison finally received proper treatment, allowing her left eye to recover. However, her right eye sustained permanent damage with scar tissue covering the pupil, leaving her with only light perception in that eye.
Key Points
- Grace Jamison, then 19, was living in the Dominican Republic when she wore contact lenses while showering in June 2025
- She contracted Acanthamoeba infection causing Acanthamoeba keratitis, leading to near-complete vision loss in both eyes within one week
- Doctors initially misdiagnosed the condition as herpes and prescribed steroid eye drops, which worsened her condition
- She required treatment with eye drops every 30 minutes for six months to one year before the infection was eventually cleared
- Her right eye remains permanently damaged with scar tissue covering the pupil, allowing only light perception
Why It Matters
This case serves as a stark reminder that contact lens wearers must avoid exposing their lenses to any water source, including shower water, which can harbor dangerous microorganisms like Acanthamoeba . The Dominican Republic's untreated tap water, officially deemed unsuitable for drinking by the country's tourism website, poses particular risks for contact lens users . Ophthalmologists warn that the condition is notoriously difficult to treat, with many patients requiring corneal transplants even after successful eradication of the infection .
This case serves as a stark reminder that contact lens wearers must avoid exposing their lenses to any water source, including shower water, which can harbor dangerous microorganisms like Acanthamoeba . The Dominican Republic's untreated tap water, officially deemed unsuitable for drinking by the country's tourism website, poses particular risks for contact lens users . Ophthalmologists warn that the condition is notoriously difficult to treat, with many patients requiring corneal transplants even after successful eradication of the infection .