Wearing contact lenses instead of glasses is a popular choice for many individuals due to the convenience they offer in daily activities. Although there is a consistent cost associated with contact lenses, people appreciate their practicality for various tasks.
In the past, I used to wear my contacts while showering. Nowadays, if I shower in the morning, I wait until afterward to put them in. This way, I can cleanse my face without concerns about displacing a lens. However, I used to shower with my contacts for years until I encountered a distressing account.
I stumbled upon a narrative about a teenager who began experiencing vision loss after a parasite entered her eye during a shower, all because she had her contact lenses on. Grace Jamison shared her ordeal on social media after being diagnosed with acanthamoeba keratitis, a condition triggered by tiny amoebas that lodge in the cornea. She highlighted that acanthamoeba is commonly present in water sources like lakes, wells, shower water, as well as dust and dirt.
In a sobering message, Grace advised contact lens wearers to handle them correctly and avoid swimming, sleeping, or showering with them on. She emphasized, “I got it by showering with my contacts in.”
She urged others, “Ensure you clean your solution thoroughly and change it every time you use your contacts. Avoid sleeping, swimming, or showering with them,” as a precautionary measure.
Currently visually impaired, she shares her story online to promote awareness. In a recent TikTok video in June 2026, she emphasized, “Let this serve as a reminder not to take your eyesight for granted. I was never informed that wearing contact lenses in the shower is prohibited.”
Due to this, I am now sightless and battle excruciating pain daily. Learn from my error to prevent a similar fate! Just because it hasn’t happened to you yet doesn’t mean it won’t. Stay cautious, and may you be blessed.
Specsavers explains that acanthamoeba keratitis is an uncommon eye infection caused by bacteria in the cornea, often associated with contact lens users. They clarify that wearing contact lenses can lead to corneal surface abrasions, oxygen deprivation, and contamination due to poor hygiene, thereby increasing the risk of acanthamoeba keratitis and other eye infections if proper contact lens care guidelines are not followed.
Common causes of contracting this infection include:
Symptoms of acanthamoeba keratitis are akin to those of other eye infections and consist of:
Eye care specialists caution, “If you notice any of these symptoms, discontinue wearing contact lenses and promptly contact your GP/optometrist. This is crucial, especially if you experience severe pain, which can escalate rapidly.”
“Preserve your contact lenses and bring them to your appointment if feasible, as this could aid in identifying the infection’s cause.”
When used and maintained correctly, contact lenses are generally safe. Research indicates that many cases of acanthamoeba keratitis are linked to risky behaviors: approximately 60% of those who develop it report irregular disinfection practices, and around 30% admit to swimming while wearing lenses, according to Specsavers.
Here are some steps you can take to minimize your risk and prevent acanthamoeba keratitis: