A person may experience a variety of different types of eye infections. Acanthamoeba Keratitis (AK) is also one of the eye infections.
Acanthamoeba Keratitis is a type of Keratitis causing inflammation of the cornea.
There are various symptoms and causes you need to look out for to treat it effectively.
Let’s proceed and learn about Acanthamoeba Keratitis, including its symptoms, causes, and treatment in detail.
What is Acanthamoeba Keratitis
As suggested by its name, Acanthamoeba Keratitis (AK) is a type of Keratitis caused by the microscopic organisms known as Acanthamoeba Castellanii.
First diagnosed in 1974, Acanthamoeba Keratitis is a rare but serious eye infection.
The microscopic organism Acanthamoeba leads to the development of this type of Keratitis when it affects the outer covering of the eye, known as the cornea.
However, the news of relief is that Acanthamoeba Keratitis is treatable. Medications containing Voriconazole are effective in managing AK.
Visiting an eye care facility is required to manage this eye infection effectively.
With effective medications, our healthy eyes are a step away. Buy them now only from Cheap Medicine Shop and manage Acanthamoeba Keratitis symptoms.
Symptoms Associated With Acanthamoeba Keratitis
Source: razyph_from_Getty_ImagesThere are several signs and symptoms associated with Acanthamoeba Keratitis.
Looking out for these signs and symptoms might help diagnose Acanthamoeba Keratitis’s causes.
Let us look at the common Acanthamoeba Keratitis symptoms an individual can experience.
- Blurred vision or vision loss
- Cloudy or dirty-looking cornea
- Eye pain
- Red eye
- Increased light sensitivity (Photophobia)
- Watery eyes
- A whitish ring appears on the eye’s surface
It is essential to remember that these symptoms might take several days or weeks to show up after the Acanthamoeba enters the eye.
If you are experiencing the following symptoms of Acanthamoeba Keratitis, it is suggested to get medical attention immediately.
What are the Causes of Acanthamoeba Keratitis
As understood by its name, Acanthamoeba Keratitis is caused by amoebas called Acanthamoeba Castellanii.
These amoebas are very common microorganisms easily found in water bodies, air conditioning units, soil, and tap water.
In the USA, it mostly affects the people who wear contact lenses. Approximately 1 to 2 contact lens-wearing individuals per million are affected by Acanthamoeba.
It is commonly caused due to eye injury in the cornea or exposure to contaminated water.
There are several risk factors as well that might increase the chances of experiencing AK.
Let’s take a look at the common risk factors of AK-
- Reusing contact lenses
- Using tap water and non-sterile solutions to clean contact lenses
- Using the solutions in the lens case more than once
- Wearing contact lenses when bathing, swimming, or using a hot tub
- Contacting polluted water through the eyes
Therefore, it is important to take necessary precautions to avoid the risk of catching an infection in the cornea leading to AK.
Is Acanthamoeba Keratitis Treatable
Source: Zarina_Lukash_from_Getty_ImagesYes, Acanthamoeba Keratitis is treatable.
However, it is essential to take immediate action regarding the treatment of AK.
Medications such as Diamidines and Biguanides are often used as the first-line treatment of AK.
Besides these medications, doctors might also prescribe antiseptic eye drops and antibacterial and antifungal medications.
Ophthalmologists might also suggest undergoing a corneal transplant when the condition worsens and the topical medications become ineffective.
The essential point to note about AK is if the treatment for this eye infection is not received on time, it might cause complications like Glaucoma, Cataracts, and permanent blindness.
Therefore, it is always suggested to treat your eye infection only after consulting an authorized and trusted eye specialist.
Preventive Measured for Acanthamoeba Keratitis
Although Acanthamoeba Keratitis is treatable, it would be best to prevent this eye infection. Several precautions might help to prevent Acanthamoeba Keratitis.
Common preventive measures for Acanthamoeba Keratitis include-
- Storing the contact lenses properly
- Avoid touching your contacts without washing your hands
- Using sterile products recommended by your eye doctor to disinfect lenses
- Do not wash your lenses with tap water
- Do not wear your contacts in the shower, pool, or jacuzzi
- Do not use other people’s lenses
- You should avoid wearing lenses while sleeping or swimming
Key Notes
Acanthamoeba Keratitis is a type of Keratitis caused by microorganisms such as Acanthamoeba.
It commonly occurs in individuals who wear contact lenses.
An individual with AK might experience symptoms such as eye pain, red eye, increased sensitivity to light, and watery eyes.
It is essential to look out for these symptoms as it helps in the early treatment of AK.
This type of Keratitis can be treated with the help of several medications, including anti-inflammation eye drops and antibacterial and antifungal medicines.
But, it is important to consult a doctor to treat AK effectively. Therefore, visiting an eye care facility for treatment is suggested when you first experience its common symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Acanthamoeba Keratitis contagious?
No, Acanthamoeba Keratitis is not contagious. It doesn’t spread from person to person but occurs through direct amoeba exposure. It is essential to take preventive measures to prevent this eye infection. See our Recommendations
Is Acanthamoeba Keratitis curable?
Yes, Acanthamoeba Keratitis is curable for individuals using contact lenses. Eye drops with
antifungal and antiseptic properties are often used to treat AK. Consulting a doctor is important for the effective treatment of AK. See our Recommendations
Who is at risk for Acanthamoeba Keratitis?
The individuals who are at risk for Acanthamoeba Keratitis include contact lens wearers with poor hygiene practices.
Besides this, individuals exposed to contaminated water, corneal trauma, and individuals with compromised immune systems are also at risk for AK. See our Recommendations
How long does Acanthamoeba Keratitis treatment last?
Treatment for Acanthamoeba Keratitis may range from a few months to over a year. However, the duration can vary based on the severity of the infection and the individual’s response to treatment.
Therefore, it is essential to consult an eye specialist to treat Acanthamoeba Keratitis. See our Recommendations
Are there any long-term effects or complications associated with Acanthamoeba Keratitis?
Yes, Acanthamoeba Keratitis may lead to several long-term complications, including vision impairment or scarring of the cornea. Therefore, early treatment is crucial to minimize the risk of these lasting effects. See our Recommendations
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