Acanthamoeba Keratitis- Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Precautions

Acanthamoeba keratitis is a rare eye infection caused by a tiny creature called an amoeba. It’s like a bacteria but a bit more complicated. People who wear contact lenses or have a weak immune system are more likely to get it. People might also call this condition “amoebic keratitis” or something similar. AK usually impacts one eye first, but it can affect both. It starts by hurting the outer layer of your cornea called the epithelium. Then, it can get worse and go deeper into your eye. It can be treated, but it’s better to prevent it. Dhir Hospital, an eye hospital in Bhiwani, can help you with this condition.

Understanding Acanthamoeba

• An amoeba is a tiny single-celled creature, a bit like bacteria but a bit more complicated.
• Usually, it doesn’t need to bother humans or animals, but it acts like a parasite when it does.
• About 20 types of Acanthamoeba worldwide, 8 or 9, can cause Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK).

Life Cycle Survival

• Acanthamoeba can take two forms during their life cycle: active and cyst.
• In cyst form, they have a tough outer layer, letting them survive extreme temperatures (-4°F to 132°F), lack of food and water for up to 20 years, chemicals, toxins, and even sunlight.

Preventing Acanthamoeba Infection

• Acanthamoeba can enter your body in both active and cyst forms, so taking precautions is crucial.
• Protect your eyes, especially if you wear contact lenses, from getting infected.

Visit Dhir Hospital for Expert Eye Care

• Dhir Hospital in Bhiwani is known for its best eye specialists.
• If you have any concerns about eye infections like Acanthamoeba keratitis, consult the experts at Dhir Hospital for the best care and advice.

Symptoms and Causes

1. Eye pain: You may experience varying degrees of pain in your eyes, which can sometimes be severe.
2. Feeling like something is stuck in your eye: Despite washing your eyes, you may feel like there’s something in your eye that you can’t remove.
3. Watery eye: Your eyes may produce excessive tears, known as epiphora.
4. Light sensitivity: You may find that your eyes are more sensitive to light than usual, a condition called photophobia.
5. Eye redness or irritation: Your eyes may appear red or irritated due to the infection.
6. Cloudy or dirty-looking corneas: The surface of your corneas may appear cloudy, dirty, or have a ring-shaped area, indicating infection.
7. Blurred vision: Your vision may become blurry or clouded, especially in severe or advanced cases of acanthamoeba keratitis.
8. Swelling: Your eyes may swell, causing discomfort and affecting your vision.
9. Excessive tearing: Your eyes may produce more tears than usual as a response to the infection.
10. The sensation of discomfort or grittiness: You may feel as though there’s something gritty or uncomfortable in your eyes, contributing to the foreign body sensation.

What causes acanthamoeba keratitis?

Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is caused by tiny organisms called Acanthamoeba. Two main types of acanthamoeba species are AK: A. castellani and A. polyphagia.

You can get AK if these organisms get into your eyes. The most common ways this can happen are:

1. Through contact lenses.
2. By using contaminated water.
3. From injuries to your eyes.

You cannot catch AK from another person, such as with a cold or flu.

Diagnosis of Acanthamoeba Keratitis

Challenges in Diagnosis

Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is hard to diagnose early on because its symptoms resemble common eye infections and are rare, making it less likely to be suspected initially.

Diagnostic Tests

1. Eye Examination: Your eye specialist will examine your eyes, including using a slit lamp, to look for signs of AK and ask about your symptoms and recent activities.
2. Corneal Tissue Tests: These tests involve scraping or biopsy the cornea to detect the presence of Acanthamoeba. Although invasive, they provide crucial information for diagnosis.

Medications

Topical antiseptic drops, like chlorhexidine and polihexanide, are commonly used to treat AK. Some medications may need to be custom-made as they are not readily available.

Surgery

In severe cases where medication alone is insufficient, surgery may be necessary. Options include removing infected tissue layers or even corneal transplants.

Prevention of Acanthamoeba Keratitis

Preventive Measures

1. Proper Contact Lens Use: Follow instructions for wearing and cleaning contact lenses, avoiding wearing them while swimming or sleeping.
2. Hygiene Practices: Clean contacts and storage cases regularly with appropriate solutions and replace them if you have an eye infection.
3. Eye Protection: Use eye protection to prevent injuries, reducing the risk of AK.

Common Questions about Acanthamoeba Keratitis

1. Curability: AK can be cured, especially with prompt treatment.
2. Risk Factors: The likelihood of AK is higher in contact lens wearers and individuals with weakened immune systems.
3. Emergency Situation: While not an emergency, prompt medical attention is crucial for AK to prevent complications.
4. Self-Diagnosis: It’s impossible to determine AK without medical tests; therefore, seeing an eye specialist is necessary for diagnosis and treatment.

Conclusion

Although rare, Acanthamoeba keratitis can lead to significant eye damage if left untreated. Adhering to preventive measures and seeking timely medical care are essential for managing this condition effectively.