Acanthamoeba keratitis

Acanthamoeba keratitis is a rare but serious corneal infection. The outer layer of your eye becomes inflamed due to a tiny, invisible parasite (Acanthamoeba). This tiny organism is found in water—including oceans and lakes, as well as tap water. Acanthamoeba keratitis affects only 30 to 40 people in the Netherlands each year.

This inflammation of the cornea mainly affects contact lens wearers, because the parasite lodges under the lens. However, anyone with even minor damage to the cornea can develop this inflammation. Infection with Acanthamoeba can lead to serious eye damage and even loss of the eye. Acanthamoeba keratitis is not contagious. It is important to recognize the symptoms and know how to prevent it.

The risk of Acanthamoeba infection is higher in:

• Swimming, showering, using the sauna, or taking a bath while wearing contact lenses.
• Touching contact lenses with unwashed or wet hands.
• Rinse the lenses with water and/or store them in water.
• Failure to properly clean the contact lenses or the lens case.
• Do not replace the lens solution.

The symptoms of Acanthamoeba keratitis often resemble those of other eye infections. For this reason, it can sometimes be difficult to make a diagnosis. Symptoms can develop quite unexpectedly and may vary in severity. The ophthalmologist will perform a general eye exam and may also take a biopsy. At specialized centers, doctors will use a Pentacam to examine the cornea in detail. This camera quickly takes a series of photos of the cornea.

The main symptoms of Acanthamoeba keratitis are:

• A sore eye.
• Sensitivity to light.
• Red, watery eye.
• A feeling that something is in the eye.
• Blisters on the eye.
• Blurred vision.
• Poor visibility.
• Headache.
• Part of the cornea looks cloudy (whitish).

It is important to seek treatment as early as possible. Treatment consists of special eye drops designed to kill the parasite. Antibiotics are usually ineffective, because the infection is almost never bacterial. In addition, Acanthamoeba is resistant to many medications.

Prevention is better than cure when it comes to Acanthamoeba keratitis. If you wear contact lenses, make sure to practice good hygiene:

• Wash your hands thoroughly before touching the lenses.
• Clean your contact lenses daily with the proper contact lens solution; never use tap water.
• Clean your contact lens case every day.
• Replace your contact lenses on time.
• Take out your contact lenses before you go to sleep.
• Avoid contact with water while wearing your lenses. Swimming, showering, or bathing while wearing lenses increases the risk of infection.

Prompt treatment of this corneal infection can prevent complications and permanent damage.

So, after an infection with the Acanthamoeba parasite, you may lose (almost) all vision in one eye. In such cases, the doctor may need to remove the entire eye to prevent further complications.

You’ll face new challenges as a result of having vision in only one eye. On this website, you’ll find, among other things, tips for people with vision in only one eye, information about ocular prostheses and eye removal surgeries, and the emotional challenges you may face.

Living with an eye injury requires, above all, adaptation and patience. With the right information and support, you can continue to carry out your daily activities.