Rachel Prochnow, a resident of Austin, Texas, is one of the estimated 45 million people in the United States who wear contact lenses. Despite wearing them since she was 12, she never anticipated the serious health risks associated with their use. Tragically, in 2023, while 34 weeks pregnant, Prochnow suffered severe vision loss in one eye after wearing her contacts in the shower. This incident forced her to undergo a cornea transplant, leading her to raise awareness about the rare but dangerous condition known as acanthamoeba keratitis.
Prochnow was diagnosed with acanthamoeba keratitis, a rare but serious eye infection caused by a microscopic amoeba that can infiltrate the eye through contact lenses. “I thought I was doing everything right,” Prochnow shared in an email to Newsweek. Despite adhering to all recommended practices—such as not sleeping in her lenses and regularly replacing them—she discovered that the lenses could be contaminated by tap water, a warning that was not clearly stated on the packaging.
Acanthamoeba keratitis can lead to permanent visual impairment or blindness if not treated swiftly. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the infection can occur when contact lenses come into contact with tap water, whether from showering, swimming, or washing one’s face. Prochnow explained that the lenses create microfissures in the eye, allowing the amoeba to penetrate and cause infection.
After her diagnosis, Prochnow faced an arduous treatment process, including hourly eye drops for three months and a cornea transplant. She had to be induced at 37 weeks pregnant to initiate oral treatment, as delaying it could have resulted in losing her eye. Fortunately, her vision has since improved, with the possibility of reaching 20/20 sight.
Dr. Meenal Agarwal, an award-winning optometrist from Ontario, Canada, emphasized the importance of avoiding contact lenses in the shower. “Shower water contains bacteria that can lead to microbial keratitis,” she stated. “If bacteria get trapped against your cornea, it can result in a serious, sight-threatening infection.” She further noted that poor hygiene in cleaning and storing contact lenses, as well as the use of tap water, can contribute to the risk of acanthamoeba keratitis.
Despite the challenges she faced, Prochnow has used her platform to share her story and educate others. Her Instagram video detailing her experience has garnered over 800,000 likes, as she aims to inform fellow contact lens wearers about the hidden risks associated with their daily routines.
Reflecting on her journey, Prochnow expressed deep gratitude for her transplant donor, medical professionals, and her family who supported her throughout the ordeal. “For the first time, I can see my baby with both my eyes,” she said, highlighting her newfound appreciation for life and vision. As she continues her recovery, Prochnow’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the potential dangers lurking in everyday activities, urging others to prioritize their eye health and safety.
