Acanthamoeba keratitis

Acanthamoeba is a protozoa naturally occurring in water, which may cause severe eye problems if it contaminates contact lenses. Diseases caused by acanthamoeba include amoebic keratitis and encephalitis (more specifically granulomatous amoebic encephalitis). The latter is caused by the acanthamoeba entering the body through wounds and spreading to the central nervous system.

Protection against Acanthamoeba

Health consequences can be avoided by adherence to hygienic practices for eye care recommended by the manufacturers of contact lenses and solutions. These recommendations are always included in the package inserts for these products. Always follow the advice of your optician to avoid infection when wearing contact lenses.

Do not clean contact lenses in water, use high-quality contact lens solution or wear daily contacts

Acanthamoeba under microscope

Acanthamoeba under microscope