21-Year-Old Woman Loses Sight to Rare Eye Parasite from Contacts

A 21-year-old woman has tragically lost vision in her right eye after contracting a rare parasite linked to her contact lenses. Vivian Nosovitsky, who has been exploring various countries for the past four years, began experiencing severe eye pain while in Sayulita, Mexico, on December 21, 2023. The pain escalated to the point where she described it as feeling like “glass and knives cutting [her] eye.”

Nosovitsky initially dismissed the discomfort as mere irritation, but her condition worsened rapidly. “I thought it would go away after I slept it off, but it never went away and I was never able to sleep,” she shared in an interview. Unable to endure the pain any longer, she rode her motorcycle to a nearby urgent care facility, where medical professionals performed a corneal scraping. This procedure ultimately led to her diagnosis of a parasitic infection known as acanthamoeba keratitis.

Acanthamoeba keratitis is a rare but severe eye infection. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it can cause intense pain, sensitivity to light, redness, and blurred vision. The parasite typically infects the eye through contaminated contact lenses, water, or eye injuries. In the United States, approximately 1,500 cases are reported annually, making Nosovitsky’s experience even more alarming.

Upon returning to her home in Miami, Florida, Nosovitsky began an intensive treatment regimen, which included five different eye drops administered hourly, alongside antibiotics. She explained, “The parasite has made me completely lose my vision in my right eye as I have a huge gray area around my eye that’s blocking my vision. I can see slight shadows and light changes, but that’s it.”

Reflecting on the possible causes of her infection, Nosovitsky noted that she may not have taken sufficient precautions with her contact lenses. She recounted a moment from her journey: “The day before, I was on the bus, and I laid my head on the seat. When I got home, maybe I didn’t wash my hands properly when I took out the contacts, or the tap water trapped the bacteria into my eye, which held the parasite.”

Since the onset of her condition, Nosovitsky has primarily stayed indoors, finding solace in a dark room while managing her frequent eye drop schedule. Gradually, she has begun to incorporate gentle movements into her routine, such as late-night walks to avoid bright lights.

In the weeks following her diagnosis, she has documented her journey on TikTok, where her experience has resonated with many. One video has garnered over 2.2 million views and more than 211,000 likes as of now. Nosovitsky, who has been an online fitness influencer for six years, emphasized the importance of authenticity in her posts. She expressed gratitude for the support she has received: “As much as this sucks, I have deep gratitude for this moment and the things it has taught me.”

The feedback from her followers has been overwhelming, with many expressing concern and sharing their own experiences. “Daily contacts are the best thing you could ever do for yourself,” one commenter advised. Another expressed their anxiety, stating, “My paranoia just keeps getting worse.”

Nosovitsky’s ordeal serves as a reminder of the potential dangers associated with contact lens use and the importance of proper hygiene. She hopes that by sharing her story, she can raise awareness and potentially help others avoid similar situations.

As she continues to navigate this challenging chapter of her life, Nosovitsky remains focused on her recovery and the support of her community. “I’ve seen how people’s lives have changed when they start sharing their stories online, and it’s incredibly powerful,” she said. “If I can help even just one person, that makes a difference for me, and that’s why I continue to show up and share.”