How do you know if have Acanthomoeba Keratitis?

Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is a rare but serious infection of the cornea, the clear front cover of the eye. It is caused by a microscopic organism called Acanthamoeba, which is commonly found in soil, water, and air. AK can occur in anyone, but it is most common in contact lens wearers, especially those who do not properly clean and store their lenses.

Symptoms of AK include:

* Severe pain in the eye

* Blurred vision

* Light sensitivity

* Tearing

* Redness

* Swelling

* A feeling of something foreign in the eye

* Headache

* Nausea

* Vomiting

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see an eye doctor right away. AK can be difficult to diagnose, so it is important to get a proper evaluation.

Your eye doctor will perform a comprehensive eye exam and may order tests such as:

* A corneal scraping to collect a sample of cells from the cornea

* A culture of the corneal scraping to grow the Acanthamoeba organism

* A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test to detect the Acanthamoeba DNA

AK is treated with prescription eye drops that contain anti-amoebic medications. Treatment can be длительным and may require multiple medications. Surgery may be necessary in some cases.

To prevent AK, it is important to:

* Properly clean and store your contact lenses according to the instructions provided by your eye doctor.

* Avoid swimming or showering with your contact lenses in.

* Avoid touching your eyes with dirty hands.

* Use only sterile eye drops and ointments.

* See your eye doctor regularly for checkups.

If you have any questions about AK, talk to your eye doctor.