What is Acanthamoeba and how we can avoid it?

What is Acanthamoeba?

Pronounced A·can·tha·moe·ba, acanthamoeba is a microbe that is very common in the environment, including in tap water. It has two forms: the trophozoite and the cyst. The infective form is the trophozoite, which can change into a cyst and survive a long time. These trophozoites and cysts can stick to the surface of your contact lenses and then infect your eye.

Normal to diseased to progressed stage

As you can see above the cornea goes from transparent to a pasty white scar which will not allow light through to the retina and thus reduces vision.  Often this is permanent as cornea transplants can be difficult with extensive damage to the tissue. Very important that contact lens handling and cleaning is done properly to reduce your risks of this infection.

How can I prevent an Acanthamoeba eye infection?

• Practice good personal hygiene when handling your contact lenses.
• Remind young contact lens wearers about proper lens handling.
• Clean, rinse, and disinfect lenses with commercially made sterile solutions before placing them in the eyes.
• Clean lens cases with commercially made sterile solutions.
• Don't use tap water, homemade solutions, and other non-sterile solutions to disinfect and store contacts.
• Don't wet lenses with saliva.
• Follow manufacturer instructions in rinsing and storing contact lenses.
• Don't swim while wearing your contacts.
• Don't trade, share, or borrow another person's lenses.
• Replace lenses and lens cases as often as possible.
• Only wear contact lenses prescribed by an eye care professional.

http://water.epa.gov/action/advisories/acanthamoeba/index.cfm