Water & Contact Lenses: A Crucial Reminder
Water and Contact Lenses: A Crucial Reminder to Protect Your Vision
A widely shared online video series has sparked a vital national conversation about contact lens safety. Dr. Teri K. Geist, president of the American Optometric Association (AOA), recently weighed in on the trend, warning that these videos serve as "an important reminder that water and contact lenses really do not mix."
The Viral Backstory
The discussion follows a series of videos by Grace Jamison, a 20-year-old content creator, whose documentation of her sudden vision loss amassed over 30 million views. Jamison contracted Acanthamoeba keratitis—a rare, painful, and vision-threatening parasitic infection—after showering with her contact lenses in during a trip. The microscopic amoeba became trapped beneath her lens, eventually burrowing into her cornea. The resulting severe scarring has left her blind in her right eye.
The AOA’s Stance and Warnings
In statements to national news outlets like USA TODAY, Dr. Geist highlighted several critical safety principles that every contact lens wearer needs to know:
Microscopic Threats in Tap Water: Many people routinely shower, swim, or use hot tubs while wearing contacts. However, tap water and environmental water contain microorganisms that easily become trapped against the eye, leading to devastating infections.
Early Recognition is Vital: Acanthamoeba keratitis frequently mimics less severe infections like pink eye in its early stages. Dr. Geist emphasizes that patients must "pay attention to what your eyes are telling you" to catch issues before permanent damage occurs.
Prompt Medical Action: If you experience persistent redness, severe pain, light sensitivity, or blurred vision, remove your lenses immediately.
Our Advice at Eye Care Kauai
We completely echo the creator's important advice: "When in doubt, take your contacts out."
However, taking them out is only the first step. When your eyes are not getting better promptly, get an appointment with your doctor to check and treat your eyes immediately. Minor irritations can escalate into serious infections incredibly fast. Early professional diagnosis is the single best way to protect your vision.