Contact lenses users beware of Acanthamoeba Keratitis: Symptoms, causes and prevention of this eye disease

Eye pain that feels stronger than it should? It may not be pink eye. Acanthamoeba keratitis is a rare infection silently targeting contact lens wearers (Pic credit: Pexels)

• Acanthamoeba keratitis, a rare eye infection, is often mistaken for conjunctivitis.
• Contact lens users, especially those exposed to water, are at higher risk
• Symptoms: severe pain, blurred vision, potential permanent vision loss.

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Often mistaken for conjunctivitis or other common eye woes, Acanthamoeba keratitis  silently burrows into the cornea, producing intense pain, blurred vision and, in the worst cases, irreversible sight loss. It began, for many, as the faintest irritation, a twitch here, a redness there, an irritation easily dismissed. But for contact lens wearers those early signs meant acanthamoeba keratitis.

An uncommon infection, AK isn’t caused by bacteria or virus, but by Acanthamoeba, a microscopic, free-living protozoan that thrives in water, soil and even tap water.

Its symptoms such as redness, blurred vision, tearing and light sensitivity mirror far more common eye conditions. Early on, many patients are misdiagnosed with “pink eye” or bacterial keratitis, leading to delays in effective treatment and worsening damage.

Also Read: Eye infection in monsoon: Types of infections and tips for prevention

The pain associated with Acanthamoeba isn’t ordinary. Patients describe it as disproportionate to what an eye should bear, a sensation far deeper than surface irritation. Shots of pain, unbearable sensitivity to light and the dread of a foreign body in the eye are typical features that often drive sufferers back to clinics in despair.

Acanthamoeba, say studies, is opportunistic. It exploits tiny breaks in the corneal surface, often caused by ill-fitting contact lenses, sleeping or swimming with lenses in, or poor hygiene, to adhere and burrow deeply into the eye’s protective layer. Once inside, it triggers inflammation and progressive tissue damage, which can lead to corneal scarring, ulceration, and ultimately vision loss if left untreated.

Microscopic cyst forms of the amoeba are particularly resilient, resisting many standard antimicrobial therapies and prolonging infection. Diagnosis commonly requires sophisticated laboratory tests like corneal scrape cultures, PCR or confocal microscopy to confirm the organism’s presence.

Here’s what you should know 

People who are at risk include

• Contact lens users, especially those who swim, shower or sleep in lenses.
• Anyone exposed to unsterilised water or contaminated solutions.

Key symptoms to watch for

• Severe eye pain disproportionate to clinical signs.
• Sensitivity to light, blurred vision, excessive tearing.
• Redness and sensation of debris in the eye.

Reasons for misdiagnosis

• AK mirrors viral or bacterial infections.
• Early symptoms resemble pink eye or allergic conjunctivitis.

Treatment realities

• Intensive topical therapy with agents like PHMB and propamidine is prolonged (often months).
• Pain from treatment can be severe; adherence is crucial.
• Surgery, including corneal transplantation, may be needed in advanced cases.

Also Read: Treat itchy, irritated eyes in monsoon with these 10 doctor-approved tips to soothe your eyes

Prevention tips

• Wash hands before handling lenses.
• Avoid water contact with lenses.
• Use sterile contact solutions and change them daily.

FAQs on Acanthamoeba Keratitis

1. What is Acanthamoeba Keratitis (AK)?

Acanthamoeba Keratitis is a rare eye infection caused by the Acanthamoeba, a microscopic organism found in water, soil, and tap water. It can lead to severe eye pain, blurred vision, and potentially permanent vision loss if untreated.

2. Who is at risk of developing AK?

Contact lens users, particularly those who swim, shower, or sleep in lenses, and individuals exposed to unsterilised water or contaminated solutions are at higher risk.

3. What are the symptoms of AK?

Symptoms include severe eye pain, sensitivity to light, blurred vision, excessive tearing, redness, and the sensation of a foreign body in the eye.

4. What are the treatment options for AK?

Treatment usually involves prolonged intensive topical therapy with agents like PHMB and propamidine. In advanced cases, surgery, including corneal transplantation, may be required.

5. How can AK be prevented?

Preventive measures include washing hands before handling contact lenses, avoiding water contact with lenses, and using sterile contact lens solutions, changing them daily.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.