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Shanks Family Eye Care
Acanthamoeba (a-kanth-a-me-ba)
What is Acanthamoeba?
- Acanthamoeba is a microorganism that can cause an infection of the eye
- The organism is commonly found in water sources used to clean contact lenses
What are the Symptoms of an Acanthamoeba Infection?
- Tearing and the sensation of something in your eye
- Light sensitivity
- Blurred vision
- Red, painful, irritated eyes
How Common is Acanthamoeba?
- Acanthamoeba infections are fairly rare, but their incidence increases with improper contact lens hygiene
What are the Risk Factors for an Acanthamoeba Infection?
- Using tap water to clean contact lenses
- Swimming in any water source with your contact lenses in your eyes
- Poor contact lens hygiene
How is Acanthamoeba Diagnosed?
- Diagnosing an acanthamoeba infection begins with a comprehensive eye exam at Shanks Family Eye Care
- During this exam, your doctor uses equipment such as a slit-lamp to properly identify the acanthamoeba microorganism
How can You Avoid Acanthamoeba?
- Properly care for your contact lenses!
- Remember to always wash your hands before touching your contact lenses or your eyes
- Never use anyone else’s contact lenses
- Never swim in or sleep in your contact lenses
- Use proper contact lens solution prescribed by your doctor
- See your doctor every year so that they can evaluate your contact lenses to determine if any change in lens is needed