Doctors explained that the Florida baseball player was infected by a rare parasite called Acanthamoeba keratitis, which can cause blindness. Krumholz said he was told that sleeping with contacts, even for a short time, may have allowed the microscopic Acanthamoeba organism to infect the cornea.
Sharing his story on Facebook, and hoping to warn others about the dangers of sleeping with contacts, Krumholz writes, “There is no pain out there that I could ever imagine worse than this. Even the strongest medicines do nothing. And the worst part is, I do not know if I will ever get vision back in my eye at only 21 years old.” The post continues, “I have not been able to step outside for 30+ days and I have my hurricane shutters up to protect me from light.”
Treated for the parasite, Krumholz, was told that the “best case” scenario is that he’ll be free of the parasite by late summer 2023, when he can have a corneal transplant to remove the part of his eye that was infected.
“I know that I’m never gonna see fully again, but I don’t know how much of my vision I’m gonna get back,” he said.
Tips to prevent eye infections (CDC):
- Wash hands with soap and water and dry them well before touching contact lenses
- Take contacts out before sleeping, showering or swimming
- Rub and rinse contacts in disinfecting solution each time they remove them
- Rub and rinse the case with contact lens solution, dry with a clean tissue and store it upside down with the caps off after each use
- Replace contact lens cases at least once every three months
- Avoid “topping off” solution in lens case (adding fresh solution to old solution)
- Carry a backup pair of glasses in case contact lenses have to be taken out
Meanwhile Koerschner offers this warning: “If anything happens to your eye seek a specialist immediately and maintain impeccable hygiene when it comes to your eyes.”
Please always make sure you practice good eye hygiene! We understand that sometimes it feels unnecessary but we promise the time will be worth it.
Please share this story so others are aware of the dangers involved with sleeping while wearing contact lenses, along with other risky behaviors that can cause blindness!
