Contents:
- Acanthamoeba keratitis, an eye infection to watch out for when using contact lenses
- What are the symptoms of acanthamoeba keratitis?
- What checks should be done?
- Can it be cured?
- Can acanthamoeba eye infections be prevented?
Contact lenses are often used as an alternative for those of you who have visual impairments but don't want to use glasses. Even contact lenses are often used to beautify the appearance, because there is a choice of color lenses that can change the color of the pupils of the eye. Even so, do you know if using contact lenses can also cause eye infections?
Yes, the fact behind all the ease and beauty that is obtained, there is a disease that threatens eye health, namely acanthamoeba keratitis. Then, what is acanthamoeba keratitis? How to prevent? See the full explanation in the article below.
Acanthamoeba keratitis, an eye infection to watch out for when using contact lenses
Actually, acanthamoeba is one type of protozoa (single-celled parasite) that lives freely on land, water and air. This parasite will easily infect the eye and then cause inflammation of the cornea or keratitis.
This eye infection is very likely to occur in people who often use contact lenses. Usually this is due to unclean storage and improper use.
If the case of acanthamoeba keratitis is not handled properly, a wound will develop on the cornea which can lead to blindness and even removal of the eyeball.
What are the symptoms of acanthamoeba keratitis?
There are several common symptoms of acanthamoeba eye infections:
- Severe pain in the infected eye.
- Excess tear production.
- Excessive glare when in a bright room or when you see light.
- Decreased vision.
What checks should be done?
This eye infection is rather difficult to diagnose because it is sometimes confused with keratitis caused by viruses or other bacteria. Therefore, the doctor will usually do a culture examination (take a sample of eye tissue to be seen under a microscope).
That way, a new doctor can diagnose exactly whether the corneal inflammation that results from acanthamoeba.
Can it be cured?
Certainly can. But this disease requires fast and precise treatment. The longer it is detected, the less likely it is that vision can return to perfect.
The drugs used are combination eye drops between the biguanid group and diamidine. On the first two days of use, the drug is given every hour throughout the day (day and night).
Then the treatment is continued with the administration of the drops every hour during the day for several weeks. The entire treatment can last for 6 months.
Can acanthamoeba eye infections be prevented?
Prevention can be done by maintaining and cleaning your contact lenses properly. Some things that must be considered are:
- Wash hands and dry them with a clean cloth before you hold contact lenses.
- Wash your contact lens with a special washing solution. Start by rubbing the contact lens with your finger slowly, then rinse and soak your contact lenses in the special solution.
- Remove contact lenses before swimming or before soaking in hot water.
- Never wash contact lenses with tap water or mineral water.
- Release and replace your contact lenses regularly (before they expire).
- Don't forget to wash your contact lens with special liquid available, then leave it open to dry.
