Acanthamoeba keratitis is a parasite that causes eye infection. This condition normally only affects the eyes of contact lens users, usually caused by poor contact lens hygiene. Many people are unaware how important it is to understand the risks and take proper care of their contact lenses. Acanthamoeba keratitis is a very serious eye condition, it is rare, and usually only affects people who use contact lenses. Acanthamoeba keratitis is treatable, but it can cause permanent eye damage and in the worst case scenario, blindness.
Acanthamoeba keratitis is caused by microscopic amoeba called Acanthamoeba that invade the cornea. In the earlier stages of infection the symptoms are similar to other eye infections and can stay at this level for weeks, even months. Some of the symptoms are:
- Blurred vision
- Sensitivity to light
- The feeling of something stuck in the eye
- Redness
- Pain
- Excessive leering
Any contact lens user who shows these symptoms should contact an eye care professional as soon as possible. If left untreated at this stage the condition may eventually cause severe pain, vision loss, and possibly total blindness. More often than not this infection only occurs in people who wear contact lenses, but anyone can potentially become infected. People who are diagnosed with Acanthamoeba keratitis are usually found to exhibit some of the following behaviours in relation to their contact lenses such as:
- Swimming with lenses in
- Showering or using a hot tub with lenses
- Contact with contaminated water
- Bad hygiene, improper contact lens storage and handling
- Failure to disinfect lenses
When a patient is diagnosed with Acanthamoeba keratitis by an eye care professional, they usually treat the infection with one or more eye medications that are prescribed. Diagnosis usually is made by either the existence of all the symptoms, or even taking a sample from the eye to be examined under a microscope. People who wear contact lenses should be aware of the importance of contact lens hygiene, and know the symptoms so they know to get treatment as soon as they appear.
Regular eye check ups are recommended, and you can be confident any eye care specialist will be aware of this type of infection due to the number of people who wear contact lenses. It is also a good idea not to share your contact lenses with anyone else. Even though Acanthamoeba keratitis is not contagious person to person, it is still possible to transmit the disease by coming into contact with another persons infected contact lens. If you wear contact lenses and have any of the symptoms listed above, it would be a good idea to go for an eye exam as soon as possible.
Prevention of Acanthamoeba keratitis is relatively easy. Make sure you clean your contacts properly, do not swim with your contacts in, and make sure they are handled properly. Proper storage is also a must. If anyone you know is exhibiting the symptoms, and are known to wear contact lenses, please inform them of this type of infection. Knowledge is the best defence against this type of infection.
Disclaimer: The author is not a medical doctor, optician, ophthalmologist or any other medical professional, this article has been compiled using a variety of internet reference sources and while every effort has been made to ensure accuracy this cannot be guaranteed. No preference for product or brand is inferred or intended and the contents of this article are not to be used in whole or in part to inform a decision regarding any aspect of contact lens use.
