Eye infection resulting from Acanthameba Keratosis

Have you always check in with your doctor for normal routine checkup, of course I feel great, I’m not feeling sick and I eat well does not mean there aren’t any downs in our body system that need to be in check. It is very important to always do checkup. Some disease conditions do not give warning upon their arrival into our bodies such as heart failure, aneurysm (like aortic and abdominal) among others. Take for instance, acanthameba keratosis in which the cornea is affected and may result in permanent visual impairment. It is mostly gotten from water bodies which we depend on for survival.

Taking Acanthamoeba keratosis as a case, is a disease condition which involves an amoeba invading the cornea of the eye. Acanthameba is a microscopic, free living ameba that can cause rare but infections severe to the eye, skin and even nervous system. The infection to the eye is what we would set our focus. But information on the infections involving the skin and C.N.S would be given in subsequent postings.

This ameba is found worldwide most especially in the water bodies like rivers, lakes, marshes, tap water with slime found along with the water. The ameba can be spread to the eyes through contact lens use, cuts, or skin wounds or by being inhaled in the lungs. Most people who are exposed to acanthameba during their lifetime do not often get sick with the infection but very few will become sick from the exposure.

Causes

It is found that the main cause of acanthameba keratosis is associated with contact lens. It is also found in those who do not wear contact as it can be transmitted via unclean water.

Risk factors

For those who wear contact lenses, certain practices can increase the risk of getting acanthameba keratitis:

ü Storing and handling lenses improperly

ü Improper disinfection of lenses

ü Swimming or using hot tubs while wearing lenses

ü Contact with Contaminated water

Prevention

Although reports have not been found where the infection is transmitted from one person to another. But the following steps have been outlined by the American Optometric Association which are:

ü Always wash hands before handling contact lenses.

ü Rub and rinse the surface of the contact lens before storing.

ü Use only sterile products recommended by your optometrist to clean and disinfect your lenses. Saline solution and rewetting drops are not designed to disinfect lenses

ü Avoid using tap water to wash or store contact lenses.

ü Contact lens solution must be discarded upon opening the case, and fresh solution used each time the lens is placed in the case.

ü Replace lenses using your doctor’s prescribed schedule.

ü Do not sleep in contact lenses unless prescribed by your doctor and never after swimming.

ü Never swap lenses with someone else.

ü Never put contact lenses in your mouth.

ü See your optometrist regularly for contact lens evaluation.

It is important to always keep clean the environment around you.

Source: cdc, American Optometric Association.
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