Acanthamoeba is among the most common organisms found in the environment, though it hardly ever causes an infection. When one does happen, though, it is often very serious and can impact your vision.

Here recently, reports have been increasing about Acanthamoeba keratitis, which is a co-infection of the Acanthamoeba and keratitis. This is a common infection that occurs in contact lens cases and on the cornea, which complicates prevention, diagnosis, as well as treatment. The best defense against this type of infection is to maintain proper hygiene when it comes to your contact lenses.

Symptoms

• Sensation of something within the eye, light sensitivity, excessive tearing, and blurred vision.
• A red and often painful eye infection that does not improve with standard treatment.
• Red and irritated eyes that last for an extended period of time following the removal of your contacts.

Risk Factors

• Utilizing tap water to disinfect and clean your contacts, including the case.
• Failure to follow the instructions for lens care (See below).
• Swimming with your contact lenses in, particularly in freshwater rivers and lakes. However, Acanthamoeba keratitis has been linked to virtually all sources of water, including showers, swimming pools, and hot tubs.

Lens Care Guide

• Always wash your hands prior to handling your contacts.
• Before storing your contacts, rub and rinse the surface of them.
• Only use sterile products that are recommended by your eye doctor to disinfect and clean the lenses. Saline solution and rewetting drops aren’t designed for disinfection.
• Avoid the use of tap water when washing or storing your lenses.
• Contact lens solution should always be discarded when opening the cases, using fresh solution each time the lenses are placed inside the case.
• Don’t sleep in your contacts unless prescribed by your eye doctor to do so, and never sleep in them after swimming.
• Never swap contact lenses with another individual.
• Replace your contact lenses using the prescribed schedule by your eye doctor
• Avoid placing your lenses in your mouth or utilizing your saliva to wet them.
• See your eye doctor on a regular basis for an evaluation.
• If you ever experience RSVP, which is redness, secretions, visual blurring, and/or pain, visit your eye doctor as soon as possible.

For more information, contact us here at Performance Vision.