A rare but serious eye infection linked to contact lens use is leaving some patients with long-term vision damage or even blindness, prompting renewed warnings from eye care professionals. The infection is caused by Acanthamoeba, a microscopic eye parasite found in water and soil that can invade the cornea, especially when contact lens hygiene is poor.
Most people who contract the condition, known as acanthamoeba keratitis, are contact lens users. The parasite can attach to the lens or enter through tiny scratches on the cornea. Once inside, it feeds on corneal tissue, leading to inflammation, intense pain, and in severe cases, permanent vision loss. Early diagnosis and consistent treatment are critical but often delayed, increasing the risk of complications.
The disease is rare but potentially devastating. The parasite essentially uses the cornea as a food source, which can cause lasting damage if not treated promptly. Global data from 20 countries reported over 23,000 cases annually, with 85 to 95 percent involving contact lens wearers.
A 20-year-old woman from the United States, became infected in both eyes after wearing her lenses while showering during a trip to the Dominican Republic. By the time she returned home, her condition had progressed, and a misdiagnosis led to the use of steroid drops, which worsened her symptoms.
She was blind for two months before beginning the correct treatment. Her right eye remains severely impaired.
Treatment is painful and prolonged for many contact lens users
Patients often describe the treatment process as grueling. Anti-amoebic drops, such as chlorhexidine and propamidine, are applied as frequently as every hour. The drops are known to cause intense surface pain.
A 26-year-old woman diagnosed in 2024, said the medication burned but was still less painful than the infection itself. Many patients must refrigerate the drops and follow a strict schedule, often disrupting daily life.
Diagnosis is also a major challenge. Because the infection mimics other common conditions like pink eye or herpes simplex keratitis, it is frequently missed by general optometrists. Confirming the diagnosis often requires lab tests, advanced imaging or evaluation by a cornea specialist, who are not widely accessible.
Preventing infection from eye parasite through contact lens care
To reduce the risk, experts recommend using sterile contact lens solution, never exposing lenses to water, and washing hands before handling them. Daily disposables are considered safer than monthly lenses. For those who cannot avoid water exposure, prescription goggles or corrective surgery may be safer options.
See all the latest news from Greece and the world at Greekreporter.com. Contact our newsroom to report an update or send your story, photos and videos. Follow GR on Google News and subscribe here to our daily email!
