According to Rachel Prochnow, she developed Acanthamoeba keratitis. This infection is caused by an amoeba that is commonly found in water and soil. This happened while she was taking a shower. The blogger also noted that Acanthamoeba is found in every source of water except boiled water. So if you wear contact lenses and water gets in your eyes, you are at risk.
Water from the shower, swimming pool or tap can indeed contain harmful microorganisms, including acanthamoeba. Anyone can become infected if this water gets into their eyes. However, the risk is especially high for those who wear contact lenses.
These germs can stick to contact lenses, and the lenses can trap them on the cornea, increasing the risk of infection, says Annie Nguyen, MD, assistant professor of clinical ophthalmology at Keck Medicine of USC. Contact lenses also destroy the natural tear film that normally protects the cornea.
Acanthamoeba or other harmful microorganisms entering the eye can cause keratitis. In some cases, this can lead to scarring of the cornea, which can affect your vision, says Dr. Ami Wadada, an ophthalmologist at AdvantageCare Physicians in New York City.
Acanthamoeba keratitis can cause pain, vision loss, and even blindness if not treated promptly and appropriately.
Keratitis can also develop due to Pseudomonas bacteria found in soil and water. Infection due to contaminated water is also possible, but this is very rare.
Wearing contact lenses can be associated with a number of other diseases. These include microbial or bacterial keratitis, corneal hypoxia, dry eye syndrome. These conditions can lead to vision problems and, in severe cases, blindness.
News materials are not equivalent to a doctor’s prescription. Consult a specialist before making a decision.
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Source: Ferra
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