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Acanthamoeba Keratitis: A Comprehensive Guide to Diagnosis and Treatment

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Acanthamoeba Keratitis: Diagnosis and Treatment

by Niranjan Bhattacharya

5 out of 5

Language	:	Spanish
File size	:	3793 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	368 pages

Acanthamoeba keratitis is a rare but serious eye infection caused by a microscopic organism called Acanthamoeba. This organism is commonly found in soil, water, and dust, and it can enter the eye through a corneal abrasion or other injury.

Acanthamoeba keratitis is a difficult infection to treat, and it can lead to permanent vision loss if not treated promptly. However, early diagnosis and treatment can help to improve the chances of a successful outcome.

Symptoms of Acanthamoeba Keratitis

The symptoms of Acanthamoeba keratitis can vary, but they typically include:

Eye pain
Redness
Light sensitivity
Blurred vision
Tearing
A feeling of something in the eye
Corneal ulceration

In severe cases, Acanthamoeba keratitis can lead to corneal scarring, which can cause permanent vision loss.

Diagnosis of Acanthamoeba Keratitis

Acanthamoeba keratitis is diagnosed based on the symptoms and a physical examination of the eye. Your doctor may also Free Download a corneal scraping to confirm the diagnosis.

Corneal Scraping Acanthamoeba Keratitis: Diagnosis And Treatment

Treatment of Acanthamoeba Keratitis

Treatment for Acanthamoeba keratitis typically involves a combination of topical medications, oral medications, and surgery.

Topical medications are applied directly to the eye and may include:

Chlorhexidine
Propamidine
Polyhexamethylene biguanide

Oral medications are taken by mouth and may include:

Itraconazole
Ketoconazole
Fluconazole

Surgery may be necessary to remove corneal scarring or to repair a perforated cornea.

Prevention of Acanthamoeba Keratitis

There is no sure way to prevent Acanthamoeba keratitis, but there are some things you can do to reduce your risk of infection, including:

Wear contact lenses only as directed by your doctor.
Clean and disinfect your contact lenses properly.
Avoid swimming in contaminated water.
Wear protective eyewear when working with soil or dust.
If you have any symptoms of Acanthamoeba keratitis, see your doctor immediately.

Acanthamoeba keratitis is a rare but serious eye infection that can lead to permanent vision loss if not treated promptly. However, early diagnosis and treatment can help to improve the chances of a successful outcome.

If you have any concerns about Acanthamoeba keratitis, please talk to your doctor.

Acanthamoeba Keratitis: Diagnosis and Treatment

by Niranjan Bhattacharya

5 out of 5