Source: http://www.aoa.org/x8210.xml
Acanthamoeba Q&A
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What is Acanthamoeba and am I at risk? |
| A: | Acanthamoeba is a parasite common to water and soil. It is relatively rare with only 1-2 cases per million contact lens wearers each year in the United States. It exists in two forms, either a cyst or active infection, and is very difficult to kill. Co-infection with a bacterial keratitis is common both in the lens case and on the cornea, complicating prevention, diagnosis and treatment. Acanthamoeba keratitis may lead to vision loss, with some patients requiring a corneal transplant. It is highly unlikely, due to the rarity of the infection, that you are at risk; but if you are experiencing any problems, such as redness, irritation or tearing, you should consult your doctor of optometry immediately. |
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I have used AMO Complete® MoisturePlus™ for many years, why is it being recalled? |
| A: | AMO is taking this action as a precaution because of reports of a rare, but serious, eye infection, Acanthamoeba keratitis. Consumers who wear soft contact lenses should stop using Complete® MoisturePlus™ and discard all partially used or unopened bottles. Additionally, the CDC recommends discarding and replacing contact lenses and lens cases exposed to the Complete® MoisturePlus™ solution. |
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What solution should I use instead of Complete® MoisturePlus™? |
| A: | While a disproportionate number of the CDC-reported cases of Acanthamoeba keratitis involved the AMO Complete® MoisturePlus™ solution, 40 percent of cases involved other contact lens solutions or other factors. A name-brand solution is preferred; however, you should work with your doctor to select a new FDA-approved solution that will best fit your needs and provide lens/solution compatibility. You should schedule an appointment with your doctor to go over your new hygiene regimen, as each lens care product is unique. Additionally, most solutions are approved for use without rubbing; however, we are recommending at this time that patients rub their lenses to enhance cleaning for additional safety. When switching solutions, we recommend booking a follow-up appointment to examine the response a patient’s eyes have to the new solution. |
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Can I prevent Acanthamoeba keratitis? |
| A: | Acanthamoeba keratitis requires contamination; therefore, the best treatment is prevention. In addition, regardless of which cleaning/disinfecting solution consumers use, contact lens wearers should take extra precautions with lens hygiene habits. According to the AOA, clean and safe handling of contact lenses is one of the most important measures Americans can take to protect their sight. Additionally, always remove contact lenses before swimming, entering a hot tub, or showering. If lenses happen to be worn when swimming, insert a wetting drop to re-hydrate the lens and remove the lens as soon as possible. |
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Can optometrists treat this infection? If so, how? |
| A: | Depending upon the severity, optometrists may treat Acanthamoeba keratitis using certain medications. However, some patients, especially those whose proper treatment has been delayed, may experience severe infection and a significant loss of vision, resulting in the need for a corneal transplant. In those instances, optometrists would refer patients to corneal specialists. |
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How would I know if I had an Acanthamoeba infection? |
| A: |
The symptoms of Acanthamoeba keratitis can be very similar to those of other more common eye infections and may include:
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How widespread is the infection? |
| A: | Investigations are ongoing to determine the extent of this infection. As of May 25, 2007, the CDC has received reports of 138 cases of confirmed Acanthamoeba keratitis since the beginning of 2005 in 35 states and Puerto Rico. Researchers have interviewed 46 of those patients. Of the 39 who wore soft contact lenses, 21 reported using the Complete® MoisturePlus™ brand manufactured by Advanced Medical Optics. |
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Is it contagious? |
| A: | Acanthamoeba keratitis is contagious in the sense that it is a micro organism that is transferred to the eye by a contaminated contact lens. It is not contagious directly from person to person. Contact lenses should never be shared between patients. |
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Who is most susceptible to this infection? |
| A: | Consumers who wear soft contact lenses should be especially mindful to practice proper contact lens hygiene. |
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Is it curable? Or is the damage permanent? |
| A: | The infection can be treated a number of ways, and with proper care, damage can be reversed. In other cases, a corneal transplant may be necessary. |