A 23-year-old woman has tragically lost vision in her right eye after contracting a rare infection caused by swimming with contact lenses. Brooklyn McCasland was visiting Alabama with friends in August when she developed Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK), a severe infection that can lead to corneal damage and vision loss.
Initially, her symptoms mimicked those of common eye infections, leading to a misdiagnosis. Ms. McCasland underwent a series of treatments, including steroids, before finally receiving the correct diagnosis. By that time, her condition had worsened significantly, resulting in complete blindness in her right eye.
After multiple visits to different eye specialists and persistent discomfort, Ms. McCasland finally received a correct diagnosis of Acanthamoeba keratitis, which can mimic other common infections. Doctors warned her that without immediate treatment, she could face permanent blindness or even the loss of her eye.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, there are approximately 1,500 reported cases of AK in the United States each year, with contact lens wearers accounting for around 90% of these infections.
The clinic advises against wearing contact lenses while swimming, showering, or for extended periods, as improper use can significantly increase the risk of contracting the parasite.
The necessary medication for AK is rare and typically produced in the UK, but fortunately, her doctor was able to provide samples to start treatment promptly. As part of her treatment regimen, she must apply eye drops every 30 minutes due to the slow healing process.
Despite the ongoing challenges, Ms. McCasland remains hopeful. She expressed gratitude for finally understanding her condition and hopes that sharing her experience will raise awareness and prevent others from facing similar challenges. However, she revealed in a recent update that her condition is not improving significantly, and there is a possibility she may need a cornea transplant after the infection is cleared.
Ms. McCasland hopes that her journey will prevent anyone from going through the same.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Dr. Sreelekshmi P/MSM)
