9:15 pm in Uncategorized by Cardigan An acanthamoeba may not be
a term you’re likely to hear at the optometrist while being
outfitted for a new prescription for contacts, but it’s a good
reason to heed their warnings about proper contact lens care.
The acanthamoeba is a microorganism found to essentially crawl
through the eye’s cornea causing not only pain but also
potentially permanent blindness. The United Kindgom’s Press
Association recently reported though incidence if the infection
is rare — only about 75 people of the 3.7 million contact lens
wears in the U.K. are treated each year — it’s still worth being
aware of how to best avoid contracting it. The UKPA states that
the parasite, which burrows into the eye, can be picked up from
a dirty case or from rinsing lenses in tap, river, pond or lake
water. It also notes the condition, Acanthamoeba keratitis, is
often misdiagnosed. Once contracted, treatment includes a
hospital stay with “round-the-clock administration of
disinfecting eye drops,” UKPA states.