The unseen dangers of contact lenses

By Jessica Hamamoto

Over 4 million people in the U.S. wear contact lenses yet many are unaware of the potential risks posed by contact lens use. Swimming and surfing with contact lenses can increase an individual’s chance for eye infections.

Acanthamoeba, a single cell organism that occurs in all types of water including the ocean and swimming pools has managed to make its way inside the eyes of unsuspecting contact lens users.

After a recall in May 2007 by the Food and Drug Administration of AMO Complete Moisture Plus soft contact lens solution there have been more reports of cases of the once very rare eye disease, Acanthamoeba Keratitis.

The Centers for Disease Control began a multi state investigation on March 16, 2007 to look for the risk factors associated with the disease. They found the use of AMO Complete Moisture Plus is strongly associated to the outbreak but other factors to be considered are exposure to contaminated water, damage to the cornea and hygienic practices.

One local resident, Terrence Hamamoto contracted the disease after using the recalled product and surfing. He now is fighting to save his eyesight with a strict regime of eye drops that have to be administered every two hours to fight the infection.

Doctors suggest the best way to prevent eye infections is to follow their guidelines and take your lenses out before getting into the water.