'I put my contact lenses in - and 12 hours later, I was BLIND.' SUSANNAH JOWITT had been wearing lenses for 40 years... until one simple mistake almost cost her her sight

Susannah Jowitt, a long-time user of contact lenses, found herself facing a terrifying ordeal after a seemingly minor oversight nearly led to permanent blindness. The incident occurred during a recent trip, when she failed to clean her lenses properly before inserting them. Within 12 hours, she experienced a dramatic loss of vision, prompting an emergency visit to Moorfields Eye Hospital in London. Jowitt had worn reusable contact lenses for four decades, often skipping the necessary steps such as cleaning them or washing her hands before insertion. On the day of the incident, she retrieved her lenses from a case stored in her travel bag, inserted them without proper hygiene, and continued her daily activities. By late afternoon, she noticed her eyes becoming itchy and her vision growing increasingly blurry. She attributed the discomfort to seasonal allergies and took an antihistamine along with some eyedrops from her handbag. However, these measures offered no relief. By the time she returned home at 5 p.m., her surroundings appeared distorted, with a haze surrounding objects and her vision remaining unclear despite blinking frequently. Upon removing the lenses, she was shocked to find that her vision remained impaired. In a desperate attempt to alleviate the symptoms, she rinsed her eyes with saline solution, only to experience further discomfort, as if her eyes were being burned by an acidic substance. Her condition deteriorated rapidly, leading to complete functional blindness within less than 12 hours. Concerned, a friend accompanied her to Moorfields Eye Hospital, where she underwent immediate assessment. An ophthalmologist diagnosed her with a severe corneal infection, noting multiple ulcers on both corneas. The specialist emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that if treatment had been delayed, the damage could have been irreversible. The doctor explained that the use of expired eyedrops and potentially contaminated contact lens solution contributed significantly to the severity of the infection. He warned that certain bacteria can cause rapid degradation of corneal tissue, highlighting the risks associated with improper lens care. Jowitt admitted to regularly swimming and showering with her lenses in place, unaware of the potential dangers posed by non-sterile environments. Following the diagnosis, Jowitt received prompt medical intervention, including antibiotics and other treatments aimed at combating the infection and preventing further complications. Her recovery process has been ongoing, marked by the need for continued monitoring and adherence to strict hygiene protocols. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of following recommended practices for contact lens care. Health professionals emphasize that regular cleaning, proper storage, and avoiding exposure to non-sterile conditions are crucial in maintaining ocular health. As Jowitt continues her journey toward recovery, her experience underscores the critical role of vigilance in managing contact lens use to prevent similar incidents.