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Acanthamoeba Keratitis: Diagnosis and Treatment

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Acanthamoeba Keratitis: Diagnosis and Treatment

by Niranjan Bhattacharya

5 out of 5

Language	:	Spanish
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Print length	:	368 pages

What is Acanthamoeba Keratitis?

Acanthamoeba keratitis is a rare but serious infection of the cornea, the clear outer layer of the eye. It is caused by a microscopic organism called Acanthamoeba, which is found in soil, water, and dust. Acanthamoeba keratitis can occur in people of all ages, but it is most common in contact lens wearers.

The symptoms of Acanthamoeba keratitis can vary depending on the severity of the infection. Mild cases may cause only mild pain, redness, and watering of the eye. More severe cases can cause severe pain, corneal ulcers, and vision loss.

Diagnosis of Acanthamoeba Keratitis

Acanthamoeba keratitis can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms can be similar to those of other eye infections. Your doctor will likely ask you about your symptoms and medical history, and they will perform a physical examination of your eye. Your doctor may also order tests to confirm the diagnosis, such as a corneal culture or a biopsy.

Treatment of Acanthamoeba Keratitis

Acanthamoeba keratitis is a serious infection that requires prompt treatment. Treatment typically involves a combination of medications, including antibiotics, antifungals, and corticosteroids. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the infected cornea.

Treatment for Acanthamoeba keratitis can be long and difficult, and it may not always be successful. However, early diagnosis and treatment can help to improve the chances of a successful outcome.

Prevention of Acanthamoeba Keratitis

There are a number of things you can do to help prevent Acanthamoeba keratitis, including:

Wash your hands thoroughly before handling contact lenses.
Clean and disinfect your contact lenses according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Avoid swimming or showering in water that may be contaminated with Acanthamoeba, such as lakes, rivers, and hot tubs.
If you have any symptoms of Acanthamoeba keratitis, such as pain, redness, or watering of the eye, see your doctor immediately.

Acanthamoeba keratitis is a rare but serious infection of the cornea. It is caused by a microscopic organism called Acanthamoeba, which is found in soil, water, and dust. The symptoms of Acanthamoeba keratitis can vary depending on the severity of the infection. Diagnosis can be difficult, but prompt treatment is essential to improve the chances of a successful outcome. There are a number of things you can do to help prevent Acanthamoeba keratitis, including washing your hands thoroughly before handling contact lenses, cleaning and disinfecting your contact lenses according to the manufacturer's instructions, and avoiding swimming or showering in water that may be contaminated with Acanthamoeba.

Acanthamoeba Keratitis: Diagnosis and Treatment

by Niranjan Bhattacharya

5 out of 5