Permanent Blindness and Chronic Pain: Woman’s Tragic Outcome from Routine Contact Lens Error

Lifeguard Blinded by Parasite After Common Contact Lens Mistake
(Include images: Maureen before the infection, her clouded eye post-infection, and a diagram of acanthamoeba keratitis)

Maureen Cronin, 53, a former lifeguard and swimming instructor, lost vision in her right eye after a parasitic infection linked to wearing contact lenses in water. The infection, acanthamoeba keratitis (AK), damaged her cornea, forcing her to quit her job and undergo multiple surgeries.

How It Happened
In June 2024, Cronin taught children to swim in private pools, repeatedly exposing her contact lenses to water. "I’d take off my goggles to demonstrate underwater techniques," she said. Soon after, she felt "unbearable pain," likening it to sand trapped in her eye.

(Image: Cronin teaching swimming with caption: "Cronin removed her goggles while instructing, unknowingly risking infection.")

Misdiagnoses Delayed Treatment
Doctors initially prescribed eye drops for a suspected corneal scratch. Over weeks, her condition worsened, with severe light sensitivity and vision loss. In August, a specialist diagnosed AK—a rare infection caused by waterborne parasites that burrow into the cornea.

What is Acanthamoeba Keratitis?
AK thrives in freshwater, pools, and soil. Contact lenses trap the parasites against the eye, especially if rinsed or worn while swimming. The amoeba destroys corneal tissue, often requiring transplants.

(Image: Microscopic view of acanthamoeba with caption: "The parasite behind Cronin’s vision loss.")

Surgery and Setbacks
Hospitalized for 48 days, Cronin underwent a corneal transplant in September 2024. The surgery failed when her body rejected the donor tissue. Her right eye is now nearly blind, awaiting a second transplant.

(Image: Clouded cornea with caption: "Cronin’s eye after infection damaged her cornea.")

Life After Diagnosis
Cronin describes anxiety and isolation: "I fear meeting new people—my eye looks different." She wears goggles even in showers to avoid water contact.

A Warning to Contact Lens Users
Cronin, a 20-year lens wearer, urges caution: "Never wear contacts near water—even rain. AK is rare but devastating." Experts echo avoiding lenses in pools, hot tubs, or showers.

(Image: Contact lenses with "No Water" symbol, caption: "Experts warn against water exposure with contacts.")

Cronin now advocates for AK awareness, hoping her story prevents others from similar trauma. "I’m hopeful but fearful about another surgery," she admits. "This nightmare shouldn’t happen to anyone else."

Key Takeaways

• AK risk: Always remove contacts before water exposure.
• Symptoms: Persistent eye pain/redness warrants specialist care.
• Treatment delay worsens outcomes; early diagnosis is critical.

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