How common are Acanthamoeba Related Ocular Injuries in Contact Lens Wearers?

Acathamoeba is a corneal devouring parasite found in water. Though acanthamoeba related ocular infections in contact lens wearersare rare, the treatment of the disease is difficult as it takes a period of 27 days in confirmed diagnosis with 33% of patients requiring a corneal transplant.

Acathamoeba leads to potential damages from severe eye pain, redness and itching, stinging, discharge & even to permanent vision loss. Acanthamoeba is associated to poor and unhygienic living standards and is closely related to the exposure of contact lenses with water.

Acanthamoeba Keratitis & Disinfecting Solutions for Contact Lenses

Though the parasite leads to tremendously horrific results; it can be prevented if proper cleanliness & disinfection of contact lenses is observed. It is important to note that not all disinfectants work the same way. A multi-purpose disinfectant with cleanse, rub & disinfecting formula is effective in completely killing off the parasite.

Preventing Acanthamoeba Related Ocular Injuries in Wearers of Contact Lenses

Few key points help in complete prevention from the parasite.

1. Never expose your contact lenses to water hence observe restriction in swimming, showering, washing face & other water-based activities whilst wearing contact lenses.
2. Do not soak or wash your contact lenses with tap water
3. Wear daily disposable contact lenses if you are clumsy to strictly follow the maintenance of contact lenses
4. Replace your annual contact lenses after every 8 months whereas replacement of contact lens cases should be made every 3 months.
5. Air-dry contact lens cases with their faces down and caps off after washing them. Stay very careful about re-immersing contact lenses in their cases whilst they are still wet.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology in conjunction with USFDA is soon to hold a seminar on “Contact Lens Microbiology” where the speakers will discuss the ways of prevention from acanthamoeba related ocular infections & damages in contact lens wearers. Watch this place for more updates & recent technological advancements & treatments on the issue.