Acanthamoeba Keratitis

Although very rare, Acanthamoeba Keratitis is an extremely painful sight-threatening infection of the front part of the eye (the cornea) caused by an amoeba found in almost all soil, fresh water, sea water and even air. It is known to thrive where limescale and bacteria are present, but contact lens wearers are at highest risk if they clean their lenses or lens cases in tap water, or swim while wearing their lenses.

Therefore, lens wearers should never rinse the lenses or lens cases with tap water. Don't even use distilled water. You should always follow your optometrist's instructions on disinfection and clean lenses daily in the correct sterile solutions. When used and cared for properly contact lenses offer an extremely safe and effective form of vision correction

The pain associated with Acanthamoeba Keratitis is intense but often far worse than the inflammation of the eye that can accompany it. The condition requires immediate treatment so don't wait until visible signs appear. Contact lens wearers who experience any kind of unusual or intense pain in their eyes should contact cameronoptometry straight away.