Grace Jamison, a 20-year-old from California, is using her experience of vision loss to raise awareness about the dangers of improper contact lens usage. After wearing her contact lenses while showering, Jamison developed a rare but serious eye infection known as Acanthamoeba keratitis, which led to significant impairment of her eyesight.
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Jamison, who has always had a passion for an active lifestyle, initially wore contact lenses for convenience from the age of 14. Her daily routine involved inserting her lenses in the morning, wearing them throughout the day, and often keeping them in while showering. This routine seemed typical to her until it became the catalyst for a devastating health crisis.
In early 2022, after moving to the Dominican Republic to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Jamison unknowingly exposed her eyes to the risks associated with wearing contacts in the shower. She recounted to PEOPLE how she had never been informed about the dangers of shower water impacting her lenses, particularly when compared to the more commonly known risks of swimming with them.
Her troubles began a few days after that shower when her eyes started feeling itchy and irritated. The situation worsened rapidly, with redness and extreme light sensitivity setting in. The deterioration of her vision was alarming; within a week, her sight had become so impaired that she could hardly see at all, prompting her to seek medical assistance.
Initially, medical professionals suspected a herpes infection and prescribed steroid eye drops, but this course of action proved to be misguided. Jamison spent nearly a month visiting different specialists before receiving the correct diagnosis of Acanthamoeba keratitis. The condition, caused by the acanthamoeba organism commonly found in water, is notorious for leading to vision loss.
“I was devastated when I learned that many people with this infection lose their sight,” she shared. Despite the grim prognosis, which included a period of complete blindness lasting four months, Jamison resolved to face her challenges head-on. Her new reality involved adjusting to life without vision, making everyday tasks, even eating, incredibly difficult as she had to navigate a familiar world without her sight.
The transition affected more than just her independence. Jamison spoke candidly about how her altered appearance and visual impairment impacted her self-esteem, particularly with unsolicited questions from children about her eye condition. Yet, with tenacity, she began to experience some improvement months later as treatments progressed, and she began to regain sight in her left eye.
Despite the ongoing pain from aggressive treatment, which includes harsh eye drops metaphorically referred to as “poison eye drops,” Jamison has shown remarkable resilience. Throughout this ordeal, her family and fiancé Ben have been invaluable sources of support, helping her adapt to the day-to-day challenges of vision loss.
As she grappled with the life-altering situation, Jamison felt compelled to share her experiences publicly. After posting an explanatory video online, her story resonated with viewers, amassing over one million views within a day. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing their gratitude for her cautionary tale that might prevent similar situations from occurring.
However, sharing such a personal journey also attracted criticism from some who questioned her judgment. Jamison wishes she had been better informed about proper lens care, acknowledging the casualness with which many individuals, including herself, approach contact lens usage. “I never imagined something so routine could cost me my eyesight,” she said.
Regardless of the negative comments, Jamison remains focused on the positive impact she has had on others. She now actively communicates with individuals who have faced similar infections and offers support to those dealing with visual impairments. Her narrative is not just about loss but also about empowerment, underscoring that while her eyesight has changed, her essence and ambitions remain intact.
Jamison’s story serves as a vital reminder about the importance of eye health and safety for contact lens wearers. “Please never take risks with your vision,” she urges. “It’s just not worth it. I learned that the hard way, and it’s something that stays with me every day.”