Las Vegas Woman's Research Saves Her Vision After Rare Eye Infection

Teresa Sanchez wasn't willing to accept that the searing pain in her eye was just a minor irritation. After three months of misdiagnoses, the 33-year-old Las Vegas resident took matters into her own hands, researching her symptoms online and discovering she likely had acanthamoeba keratitis, a rare parasitic eye infection. An eye specialist later confirmed what Sanchez had already figured out, marking the beginning of her recovery journey.

While acanthamoeba keratitis affects over 23,000 people worldwide annually, Sanchez's proactive approach highlights an important silver lining: awareness and early detection can make all the difference. The infection, caused by a microscopic organism found in water and soil, is preventable with proper contact lens care.

Dr. Paul Barney, an optometric physician and center director of the Pacific Cataract and Laser Institute in Anchorage, Alaska, emphasizes that when diagnosed promptly and treated aggressively, many patients can preserve their vision. Some even achieve full restoration through proper treatment or cornea transplants. The key is catching it early and working closely with eye care professionals.

The good news is that this condition is highly preventable. Between 85% and 95% of infections occur in contact lens wearers, which means simple hygiene practices can dramatically reduce risk. The solution is straightforward: never shower, swim, or sleep while wearing contacts, and always follow proper lens care instructions.

The Bright Side

Sanchez's experience, which she shared on TikTok, has become an unexpected gift to thousands of contact lens wearers who had never heard about this risk. Her viral video sparked crucial conversations about eye health and proper contact lens hygiene, potentially preventing countless infections.

The medical community is also responding positively to increased awareness. Dr. Jacob Lorenzo-Morales, professor of parasitology at the University of La Laguna in Spain, and other experts are working to educate both eye care professionals and patients about acanthamoeba keratitis. The Contact Lens Society of America now actively encourages clear, ongoing communication between providers and patients about safe lens use.

What makes this story particularly hopeful is how empowered patients like Sanchez are changing the landscape of eye care. Her determination to advocate for herself not only saved her vision but also created a ripple effect of awareness that's helping others avoid the same ordeal.

For the millions of people who wear contact lenses daily, the message is reassuring: this rare infection is almost entirely preventable. By following basic hygiene practices, asking questions during eye exams, and staying informed about proper contact lens care, wearers can continue enjoying the convenience of contacts without worry.

Sanchez's journey from patient to advocate demonstrates that sometimes the most powerful medicine is knowledge combined with the courage to trust your instincts. Her story reminds us that awareness, prevention, and early detection can protect one of our most precious senses.