Acanthamoebic keratitis, as the condition is called, can occur from not disinfecting contact lenses. Lens cleaners have been recalled after potentially exposing wearers to Acanthamoeba infections through failure to disinfect properly.
While lenses that haven’t been cleaned pose a risk, not taking them out at all is a far greater danger. Kao reportedly didn’t remove her lenses for six months, not only sleeping in them but swimming as well. Since swimming pools often contain Acanthamoeba this greatly heightened her risk.
Dr Wu Jian-Liang, director of opthalmology at Wan Fang Hospital said, “A shortage of oxygen can destroy the surface of the epithelial tissue, creating tiny wounds into which the bacteria can easily infect, spreading to the rest of the eye and providing a perfect breeding ground.”
