Are you a contact lens wearer? Or do you experience red, gritty eyes when you shower or swim? You may think it's normal. But behind these symptoms, there may be a more serious, even vision-threatening infection. Today we're talking about a rare, but very dangerous eye infection called `Acanthamoeba Keratitis (AK)`.
Simply put, what is Acanthamoeba Keratitis (AK)?
This is actually an infection caused by a parasite that grows on the transparent part of our eye, the cornea. This parasite is called Acanthamoeba. If it is not treated properly, it can cause severe damage to your eyes and even lead to complete loss of vision .
It usually affects one eye first, but it can affect both eyes. The infection starts in the top layer of the cornea (epithelium). As the disease progresses, the infection spreads to the inside.
Who is this Acanthamoeba?
Acanthamoeba is a tiny single-celled organism called an amoeba. It is a bit more complex than a bacterium. Because it can complete its life cycle without humans or animals, scientists don't consider it a true parasite. But once it enters a human body, it behaves like a parasite.
There are more than 20 species of Acanthamoeba found worldwide. They live everywhere around us - in fresh water, salt water, soil, everywhere. Of these, about 8 species have been found to cause the disease ``(AK)``.
The most special thing about this creature is that it can live in two states.
1. Active form: In this form, he is active, moving around.
2. Cyst form: In this, it forms a very strong protective shell around itself, like an animal going into hibernation.
This ``(cyst)`` stage is the most dangerous. Because while inside this shell, it can withstand any severe condition.
- High temperatures and cold: Withstands temperatures ranging from -20 to +56 Celsius.
- Lack of nutrition and water: Can survive for about 20 years at room temperature!
- Chemicals and toxins: Parasites can even develop resistance to medications.
- Sunlight: Although the ultraviolet rays in sunlight kill many microorganisms, this cyst can survive it.
It is very important to know this because this organism can enter our body both actively and as a ``cyst''. That is why we need to protect ourselves properly.
What are the symptoms of this disease?
These symptoms occur when the Acanthamoeba organism enters the cornea of your eye. Sometimes these symptoms may come and go. They may be better for a few days, then get worse again.
The main symptoms are these:
- Eye pain: Sometimes the pain can be so severe that it is unbearable.
- Foreign body sensation: A feeling that something is stuck in the eye , but you can't see anything when you open or look.
- Watery eyes (epiphora).
- Photophobia: Sensitivity of the eyes to light.
- Redness and inflammation of the eyes.
- The cornea of the eye appears cloudy and dirty: You may see a ring-like shape on the cornea.
- Blurred vision: This is usually a symptom that occurs when the disease is more severe.
How do we get this disease?
This disease is contagious. That means we can get it from the environment. But it is not transmitted directly from one person to another. There are mainly 3 ways that this Acanthamoeba organism can enter our eyes.
1. Contact Lenses
2. Dirty water
3. Eye injuries
The connection between contact lenses and this disease
This is the most important thing. 90% of people who develop `Acanthamoeba Keratitis` are contact lens users! There are several reasons for that.
- Wearing contact lenses for longer than the recommended period .
- Using tap water when storing and cleaning contact lenses.
- Not cleaning contact lenses or their case properly.
- Bathing and swimming with contact lenses.
- Using dirty contact lens cases and solutions.
Very important: Never use tap water for anything related to contact lenses. Even if tap water contains chlorine, it will not be enough to kill the Acanthamoeba cysts.
| Cause of infection | Description |
|---|---|
| Dirty water | Acanthamoeba can easily survive in water. It can be found in purified drinking water, bottled water, and even swimming pool water. Usually, it doesn't cause any problems if it gets into your eyes. However, if you have an eye injury, another infection, or if you have a weakened immune system, you are at higher risk. |
| Eye injuries | The cornea of the eye is like the windshield of a car. If it gets scratched, it's easy for germs to get in. Even a fingernail, a nail, a leaf, or even dirt can injure the eye. |
How to diagnose the disease?
It's actually a little difficult to diagnose this disease in the early stages. About 75% - 90% of the time, doctors initially think it's a simple bacterial or viral infection. There are several reasons for this:
- The symptoms of this disease are very similar to those of common eye infections.
- Because this is a rare disease, doctors don't suspect it at first.
- The tests to confirm the disease (corneal scraping or biopsy) are a bit complicated, and not all hospitals have the equipment needed.
When you see an eye care specialist, they will examine your eyes. They will do a slit lamp exam to look inside your eye. They will then ask about your symptoms and recent activities to get an idea of the condition.
The usual practice is to treat a bacterial/viral infection first. If that treatment does not help, then `(AK)` is suspected and treatment is started for that.
What are the treatments?
There are two main goals of treatment. One is to eliminate the infection, and the other is to reduce pain and other symptoms. Initially, treatment is with medications, and if the disease is severe, surgery may be required.
The main treatment is topical antiseptic drops. These should be used exactly as directed by a doctor.
In some severe cases, surgery may be necessary:
- Debridement: This can remove the Acanthamoeba organisms from the cornea and make it easier for medication to penetrate.
- Corneal transplants: Sometimes the damaged cornea has to be completely removed and a new one transplanted.
The most important thing is to follow your doctor's instructions exactly. Otherwise, the infection may return. The organisms that are in the ``cyst'' stage can become active again and cause symptoms even after months.
How can you protect yourself from this disease?
This is a largely preventable disease. You should be especially careful about these things if you wear contact lenses.
| Do's | Don'ts |
|---|---|
| Use only special solutions to store and clean contact lenses. | Never use tap water, bottled water, or saliva . |
| Clean your contact lens case regularly and use a new one every 3 months. | Do not bathe, swim, or take a shower while wearing contact lenses. |
| Wear contact lenses only for the period prescribed by your doctor. | Do not sleep at night with contact lenses on (unless specifically authorized by your doctor). |
| If you develop an eye infection, be sure to remove the contact lenses and case you were using. | Don't ignore eye pain, redness, or blurred vision. |
If you have symptoms of an eye infection for more than a few days, be sure to see a doctor. The sooner you start treatment, the better your chances of protecting your eyes.
Take-Home Message
- Acanthamoeba Keratitis (AK) is a rare but serious infection that can lead to blindness.
- This disease most commonly occurs in people who use contact lenses incorrectly.
- Never use tap water to wash or store contact lenses.
- Completely stop bathing or swimming while wearing contact lenses.
- If you have unbearable eye pain, redness, sensitivity to light, or blurred vision, don't ignore it and see your doctor immediately. Prompt treatment can save your precious eyesight.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න