Acanthamoeba is a microscopic organism found in the environment, including water, soil, and air. The infection can cause severe pain, sensitivity to light, and in severe cases, vision loss. Acanthamoeba infection is most commonly associated with contact lenses, particularly if not properly cleaned and disinfected. However, it can also occur in people with corneal trauma or weakened immune systems. This article will discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatment for the condition.

Symptoms of acanthamoeba infection
Acanthamoeba infection can cause a range of symptoms that can be confused with other eye infections. The most common ones include:
Eye pain and redness
Blurred or decreased vision
Sensitivity to light
Eye irritation
Excessive tearing
Eye discharge
Eye swelling

The symptoms may develop gradually, and hence, it can take several weeks or even months for the infection to be diagnosed. It is best to consult a doctor if the symptoms worsen.

Causes of acanthamoeba infection
Various causes of acanthamoeba infection include:

Unclean contact lens: Not wearing clean contact lenses is the most common cause of acanthamoeba infection.

Exposure to contaminated water: Acanthamoeba can be found in many water sources, including tap water, swimming pools, hot tubs, and lakes. Exposure to contaminated water can increase the risk of developing acanthamoeba infection.

Corneal trauma: Any injury or trauma to the cornea can create an opening for acanthamoeba to enter the eye and cause an infection.

Weakened immune system: People with a weakened immune system are more susceptible to developing acanthamoeba infection. This includes individuals with HIV/AIDS, cancer, and those who have undergone organ transplants.

Poor hygienic practices: Not following hygienic practices like washing hands after coming in contact with soil or water sources where the parasites may reside is a one of the major causes of acanthamoeba infection. These infection causing germs are resistant to many household disinfectants like bleach solutions.

Diagnosis of acanthamoeba infection
Acanthamoeba can be difficult to diagnose because its symptoms are similar to other eye diseases. Several diagnostic tests are available to confirm the infection. These are:

Corneal scraping: This involves taking a sample of the affected tissue from the cornea and examining it under a microscope to look for acanthamoeba.

A culture: This involves taking a sample of the affected tissue and growing it in a laboratory to see if acanthamoeba multiplies.

A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test: This is a DNA test that can detect the presence of acanthamoeba in the eye.

Treatment of acanthamoeba infection
The treatment of acanthamoeba infection can vary depending on the severity of the infection. In most cases, a combination of therapies is needed to treat the condition successfully.

Eye drops and ointments: In mild cases, eye drops and ointments may be prescribed to help reduce inflammation, relieve symptoms, and slow the progression of the infection.

Oral solutions: Oral solutions are generally recommended in cases of severe acanthamoeba infection. These usually include certain prescription treatments and are taken for several weeks to months.

Corneal transplant: A corneal transplant may be necessary in severe cases where there is significant damage to the cornea or if the infection is not responding to other treatments. During the surgery, the damaged segment is removed and replaced with a healthy one from a donor.

Combination therapy: The most effective treatment for acanthamoeba infection is a combination of treatments. A combination of eye drops and oral solutions may be prescribed to kill the acanthamoeba parasite and boost the immune system to help fight the infection.

In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove infected tissue or restore vision. Corneal transplants may also be necessary in severe cases.

Prevention of acanthamoeba infection
Preventing acanthamoeba infection involves taking steps to reduce the risk of exposure to the organism. Some of the preventive measures are:
Contact lens wearers should follow proper hygiene practices such as:
Washing hands before handling lenses
Cleaning and disinfecting lenses regularly
Using only sterile contact lens solution
Replacing lenses as recommended by their eye doctor
Avoiding exposure to contaminated water, soil, or air is also important
People who swim in lakes or rivers should wear goggles to reduce the risk of infection

Conclusion
Acanthamoeba is a rare infection that usually gets misdiagnosed because of its symptoms resembling many other classic forms of eye diseases. This can lead to the wrong treatment course and progression of the infection, which result in corneal scarring. Acanthamoeba infection may cause common complications like glaucoma, wasting away of the iris and cataracts, and in rare cases, scleritis and retinal vasculitis. A detailed eye examination is necessary for patients with an infection.