Teen, 19, 'going blind' after parasite enters eye while showering

Grace Jamison, a 19-year-old, is facing the potential loss of her sight after contracting acanthamoeba keratitis, a severe eye infection caused by a parasite. The parasite, identified as acanthamoeba, entered her cornea while she was showering with her contact lenses still in her eyes. Acanthamoeba is a common microorganism found in various water sources, including tap water and shower water, as well as in soil and dust. While anyone can become infected, contact lens wearers are at a significantly higher risk if they do not adhere to proper hygiene practices. Grace contracted the infection while showering in the Dominican Republic, where the water quality was not ideal and contained the parasite. She contracted it because she did not remove her contact lenses before showering, a common mistake that can lead to serious consequences. Other risky behaviors include swimming or sleeping with contact lenses. The treatment for this condition is described as intensive and agonizing. Grace is required to use medicated eye drops containing chemicals, some akin to pool disinfectant, every thirty minutes to an hour to combat the parasite. This rigorous treatment is expected to last between six months and a year, with additional procedures needed to repair the damage and scarring caused by the infection. The symptoms of acanthamoeba keratitis are severe, including intense eye pain, headaches, and blurred or cloudy vision, leading to blindness. Despite the painful ordeal, Grace is using her ex... download the app to read more