Contact lens wear is one of the preferred methods to improve vision against common refractive errors. Yes, when the right number and type are preferred, it is possible to eliminate the visual impairment caused by refractive error. However, living with contact lenses also poses some risks to eye health. Some of these risks can have consequences that can cause vision loss. Acanthamoeba Keratitis can be shown as one of these risks. What is the disease that can cause vision loss if left untreated? Why does it occur? Let’s take a look together.
What is Acanthamoeba Keratitis?
Let’s start with a definition for Acanthamoeba. Actually, Acanthamoeba is a type of amoeba. The amoeba, which can be found in well water, swimming pools, lakes and even tap water and sewage systems, is quite dangerous.
In Acanthamoeba Keratitis, these tiny parasites attack the cornea, resulting in the development of corneal infections. But where do contact lenses fit in?
What Causes Acanthamoeba Keratitis?
According to studies conducted in the USA, 80-85% of Acanthamoeba Keratitis cases occur among contact lens wearers.
This is because contact lenses are not sufficiently cleaned and used properly. As a result, poor hygiene conditions cause your lenses to get very dirty and when you put the lens in your eye, the risk of infection of your eye is maximized.
Especially situations such as washing the lenses with dirty tap water, using them without cleaning after they fall on the floor, wearing contact lenses while swimming increase this risk even more.
Therefore, it is necessary to pay optimum attention to contact lens use. It is important to clean the lens using the necessary cleaning solutions and not to use it after the end of its service life.
What are the Symptoms of Acanthamoeba Keratitis?
Let’s talk briefly about the symptoms of the disease. We will be adding a list of symptoms below.
- Blurred Vision
- Excessive redness of the eye
- Eye pain and visibly reddened appearance
- Constant feeling that there is something in the eye
- Excessive watery eyes
If you have these and similar symptoms, you should be examined by an ophthalmologist immediately. If left untreated, the infection can cause permanent vision loss.
