Millions of people worldwide rely on contact lenses daily for clear vision. They’re convenient, comfortable, and easy to use—until one small mistake changes everything. This is exactly what happened to Maureen Cronin, a 53-year-old woman whose life took a devastating turn after a routine activity left her fighting to save her eyesight.
A simple error—wearing contact lenses while swimming—led to a rare and severe eye infection that nearly cost her vision in one eye. Now, Maureen is sharing her painful journey to raise awareness and prevent others from making the same mistake.
How One Mistake Led to a Life-Changing Eye Infection
Maureen Cronin had been wearing contact lenses for nearly two decades with no issues. Like many contact lens users, she was unaware of the potential dangers of exposing lenses to water.
Her ordeal began in August 2023, when she started giving swimming lessons to children in private backyard pools. Over several weeks, she taught seven students—all while wearing her contact lenses in the water.
At first, she felt a mild irritation in her right eye, similar to having a grain of sand stuck in it. Assuming it was a minor issue, she ignored it. But as days passed, the irritation turned into excruciating pain.
She visited an eye doctor, who prescribed standard eye drops, believing it was a common eye irritation. Unfortunately, the pain worsened, and her vision started to blur.
After multiple examinations, she was diagnosed with acanthamoeba keratitis (AK)—a rare but serious parasitic eye infection caused by a microscopic amoeba.
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What Is Acanthamoeba Keratitis (AK)?
Acanthamoeba keratitis is a severe corneal infection caused by a free-living amoeba called Acanthamoeba. This parasite is commonly found in:
- Tap water
- Swimming pools
- Lakes and oceans
- Hot tubs
- Soil
According to the Cleveland Clinic, AK primarily affects contact lens wearers who expose their lenses to contaminated water. The infection targets the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye, causing extreme pain, inflammation, and, in severe cases, vision loss.
The Devastating Consequences of AK
For Maureen, the consequences of this tiny parasite were life-changing.
- Hospitalization: She was admitted to Stony Brook University Hospital for emergency treatment.
- Cornea Transplant: In September 2024, she underwent a cornea transplant in a desperate attempt to restore her vision.
- Rejection of the Transplant: Her body rejected the corneal transplant, worsening her condition.
- Glaucoma Diagnosis: The steroid drops prescribed to manage pain triggered glaucoma, a condition that damages the optic nerve, leading to further vision loss.
- Severe Vision Impairment: She lost nearly all vision in her right eye.
Now, she is waiting for another cornea transplant, hoping to regain at least partial vision. But the uncertainty and fear of losing her sight completely remain.
The Hidden Dangers of Wearing Contact Lenses in Water
Many contact lens users are unaware of the risks associated with water exposure. While it may seem harmless, exposing lenses to water can introduce dangerous bacteria and parasites into the eyes.
Water is not sterile and may contain microorganisms that can attach to contact lenses, increasing the risk of serious infections.
Common sources of contamination include:
- Swimming Pools – Chlorine does not kill all bacteria and parasites.
- Lakes and Rivers – Natural water bodies contain high concentrations of microbes.
- Tap Water – Even clean tap water can have harmful microorganisms.
- Hot Tubs – The warm temperature promotes bacterial growth.
How to Protect Your Eyes and Prevent Infections
After her painful experience, Maureen has made it her mission to educate others about the dangers of wearing contact lenses in water. Here are some important precautions every contact lens user should take:
1. Never Wear Contact Lenses While Swimming
- Remove your contacts before entering pools, lakes, or oceans.
- If you must wear them, use waterproof swimming goggles.
2. Avoid Tap Water Contact
- Do not rinse your lenses with tap water.
- Use only sterile saline solution or contact lens disinfectant.
- Do not shower or wash your face with contact lenses in.
3. Never Sleep in Contact Lenses
- Sleeping in lenses increases the risk of eye infections.
- Always remove them before bedtime to allow your eyes to breathe.
4. Follow Proper Lens Hygiene
- Wash hands with soap and water before handling lenses.
- Store lenses in a clean case with fresh disinfecting solution.
- Replace your lens case every 1-3 months to prevent bacteria buildup.
5. Get Regular Eye Exams
- Schedule annual eye check-ups to detect issues early.
- If you experience redness, pain, or blurred vision, see an eye specialist immediately.
Maureen’s Struggle and Emotional Toll
Maureen’s experience has not only affected her physically but also emotionally and mentally.
She now fears being near water and even wears goggles in the shower to protect her remaining vision.
She describes her right eye as cloudy, with an enlarged pupil, making it difficult for her to focus or see clearly.
Her biggest regret? Not knowing the risks earlier.
She says, “I was never told by my optician to never wear contacts in water. If you treat AK early, you can kill the parasite. But I wasn’t aware, and now I’ve lost most of my vision.”
Final Thoughts: Raising Awareness to Save Vision
Maureen’s story is a wake-up call for all contact lens wearers. Something as simple as swimming with lenses can lead to devastating, irreversible consequences.
Video : Doctor removes 23 contact lenses from patient’s eye
Her battle with Acanthamoeba keratitis highlights the importance of eye health awareness and the need for better education on contact lens safety.
She hopes that by sharing her story, she can prevent others from making the same mistake.
If you or someone you know wears contact lenses, take this as a reminder to follow proper eye care precautions. One simple mistake could cost you your sight.
