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Acanthamoeba Keratitis And How To Prevent It

Acanthamoeba keratitis is an eye infection that is rare but serious, mostly affecting people who wear contact lenses, but it can affect anyone.

It is caused by microscopic, one-celled living amoeba called acanthamoeba. If these amoebas get into the eye then acanthamoeba keratitis can occur, infecting the cornea. Acanthamoeba amoebas are commonly found in sources of water such as, lakes, tap water, hot tubs and oceans. Trying to prevent this infection is always best as it can be very difficult to treat once it has been contracted, and some infections can be so serious that the only option is to have a corneal transplant.

Here are 7 top tips on the best ways to reduce the chance of getting acanthamoeba keratitis if you wear contact lenses.

Regular eye checks

Always visit your eye clinic for regular eye checks

Wash your hands before touching your eyes or contact lenses

Before you touch your contact lenses, always make sure you have clean dry hands.

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Stay away from tap water

Never use tap water to wash or keep your contact lenses in, only use the recommended solution.

Keep your contact lenses clean

For wearers of monthly contact lenses, always wash them as soon as they have been removed in the recommended solution, and always store them in a clean case that has been filled with fresh disinfectant solution, never ‘top up’ older solution with fresh solution.

Use the correct solution

You may have various solutions which you have been asked to use, one for cleaning and one for storing the lenses, so make sure you always use the correct one for the correct job. You can now get a multipurpose solution, but always use what you have been recommended by your eye care professional.

Stay out of the water while wearing your contacts

Never swim, shower or bathe, or use a hot tub when wearing contact lenses, as this is where acanthamoeba amoebas live, and can easily get in the eye and under the contact lens causing acanthamoeba keratitis. If you must wear your contact lenses while swimming, then make sure you wear swimming goggles over the top of them.

Keep your lens case clean

Always remember that not only do you have to clean your lenses but also clean and disinfect your lens case.

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About the expert

Mr Hamada | Consultant Ophthalmologist and Corneal Surgeon

MD, MSc, DO (hons), FRCSEd, FRCOphth I am Samer, founder and consultant ophthalmic surgeon with over 20 years’ experience in ophthalmology. I am a world-renowned specialist in cornea, cataract and refractive surgery. I’m not only a leading surgeon but also the only dual fellowship trained in corneal diseases in children from reputable institutions in the UK. At Eye Clinic London I work closely with other consultant ophthalmologists, optometrists and orthoptists to achieve the best outcomes for our patients. Our main aim is to make sure our patients get the safest and best treatments available to them. We put your safety before anything else so you can rest assured that if you choose us you will be in the best and safest hands.