Acanthamoeba Keratitis

"Acanthamoeba is a microscopic, water-borne, parasite that may invade the cornea, causing a potentially devastating ocular condition known as Acanthamoeba keratitis. The infection occurs almost exclusively in contact lens wearers. The primary risk factors for this condition are: swimming in pools, lakes or sea water while wearing contact lenses, storing contact lenses in home made solutions including tap water, and poor contact lens hygiene.

This condition is typically accompanied by severe pain, redness, and scant (if any) discharge. The diagnosis must be considered in patients with risk factors who also present with corneal infiltrative deposits or ulceration - especially those in which the condition fails to resolve with traditional antibiotic therapy. The diagnosis is confirmed with a microscopic examination of the cells taken from the cornea, using specialized laboratory staining techniques.

If the diagnosis is confirmed, treatment with multiple antibiotics including antifungals is generally initiated, and hospitalization is often necessary. Some patients incur severe corneal scarring and require corneal transplantation, even if the infection is brought under control. Severe loss of vision or of the eye may occur, even if the condition is diagnosed early and managed appropriately. Therapy and treatment are long, lasting as much as a year or more."