Acanthamoeba keratitis

(ay-kan-thuh-MEE-buh)

Synopsis: Single-celled organism (protozoan) found in soil and contaminated water. Can cause a severe corneal infection (keratitis) after improperly sterilized extended-wear contact lenses are worn.

Acanthamoeba is a microscopic, water-borne, parasite that may invade the cornea, causing a potentially devastating ocular condition known as Acanthamoeba keratitis. The infection occurs almost exclusively in contact lens wearers. T

Risk factors: The primary risk factors for this condition are:  swimming in pools, lakes or sea water while wearing contact lenses, storing contact lenses in home made solutions, and poor contact lens hygiene. 

Symptoms: This condition is typically accompanied by severe pain, redness, and scant (if any) discharge. 

Diagnosis: The diagnosis must be considered in patients with risk factors who also present with corneal infiltrative deposits or ulceration - especially those in which the condition fails to resolve with traditional antibiotic therapy. The diagnosis is confirmed with a microscopic examination of the cells taken from the cornea, using specialized laboratory staining techniques.

Treatment: For confirmed cases, treatment with several antibiotics including antifungals is generally started. Therapy and treatment are long, lasting as much as a year or more.

Complications: Some patients incur severe corneal scarring and require corneal transplantation, even if the infection is brought under control. Severe loss of vision or of the eye may occur, even if the condition is diagnosed early and managed appropriately. 

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There are several ways of reaching the ophthalmologists of EYE REPUBLIC Ophthalmology Clinic: Hover note: Please place your mouse cursor over the red box to click on the web and email links. For websites, a new browser window will open. For emails, your default email program will open. You may cut and paste the URLs or email addresses if you prefer not to open new windows. ONLINE ACCESS WEBSITES.      http://www.EyeRepublic.com.ph - EYE REPUBLIC Ophthalmology Clinic      http://www.OCP.com.ph - Ophthalmic Consultants Philippines Co. -      http://www.LASIK.com.ph - Refractive Surgery Resource      http://www.Cataract.com.ph  - Cataract Surgery Resource      http://www.Eye.com.ph - Eye Information Online      http://www.EyeDoc4Kids.com.ph - Eye Information for Kids      http://www.Retina.com.ph - Retina Surgery Resource      http://www.Glaucoma.com.ph - Glaucoma Online      http://www.Uveitis.com.ph - Uveitis Online EMAIL. After writing down your comments, suggestions, problems and/or questions, kindly tell us how to get in touch with you by providing your name, email, home/office numbers, and mobile phone.      General inquiries - help@EyeRepublic.com.ph      Refractive Surgery Service - refractive.surgery@EyeRepublic.com.ph      Glaucoma Service - glaucoma@EyeRepublic.com.ph      Cataract Service - cataract@EyeRepublic.com.ph      Doctors - eyemd@EyeRepublic.com.ph       Administrative - president@EyeRepublic.com.ph      Website - webmaster@EyeRepublic.com.ph      Newsletter - newsletter@EyeRepublic.com.ph (receive news and updates, discounts and promotions) BLOG. Send us your comments.      EYE REPUBLIC      Ophthalmology Atlas CLINIC INFORMATION      Mobile E-Yellow Pages. Via SMS, text LUK4 EYEREPUBLIC (send to 2851 for Globe and Sun Cellular, and 2951 for Smart).
EYE REPUBLIC Ophthalmology Clinic Manila 3/F Don Santiago Building Units 309-310 1344 Taft Avenue, Ermita Manila, 1000 Philippines Direct and Fax: (632) 536-2398 Trunk Line: (632) 523-8271 to 79 local 30 Mobile: (63917) 899-2020 Map and directions	EYE REPUBLIC Ophthalmology Clinic Asian Hospital and Medical Center 5/F Medical Office Building (MOB) Suite 509 2205 Civic Drive, Filinvest, Alabang Muntinlupa City, 1781 Philippines Direct: (632) 771-9253 Direct and Fax: (632) 771-9254 Mobile: (63917) 795-2020 Map and Directions
EYE REPUBLIC Ophthalmology Clinic Medical City 6/F Medical Arts Tower Inc (MATI) Suite 602 MERALCO Compound, Ortigas Avenue Pasig City, 1604, Philippines Direct and Fax: (632) 632-7846 Mobile: (63917) 537-2020 Map and directions	EYE REPUBLIC Ophthalmology Clinic St. Luke's Medical Center 6/F Cathedral Heights Building Complex (CHBC) North Tower Suite 614 279 E. Rodriguez Sr. Boulevard Quezon City, 1102 Philippines Direct and Fax: (632) 407-3883 Mobile: (63917) 855-2020 Map and directions
CLINIC HOURS First-Come, First-Served Monday to Saturday 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM All clinics are closed on Sundays and Holidays

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