Acanthamoeba Infections on the Rise

"Cases of eye infection with a type of amoeba called Acanthamoeba – which can irreparably damage the corneas – have doubled since 2010, said Professor John Dart, of Moorfields Eye Hospital in London," writes the Daily Mail. "He said the trend towards internet purchasing had contributed to the rise, because people do not undergo ‘vital’ eye checks so frequently. These are essential for spotting early signs of infection and to make sure people know about contact lens hygiene, explained Prof Dart." Read more.

Young CL Wearer Almost Loses Vision

“A senior in high school nearly loses her vision after a parasite grew on her contact lens and began eating through her cornea,” reports television station Local 10. “One of Ashley Hyde's eyes was red and throbbing but doctors couldn't figure out what was wrong….Doctors discovered Hyde, 18, had an acanthamoeba infection. Acanthamoeba is a microscopic parasite found in water and soil that can spread through contact lens use, cuts, or skin wounds or by being inhaled into the lungs.” Read more; see video.

Baloney to the Threat from the Cornea-Eating Amoeba, Say Scientists

"A pair of British scientists is warning of a cornea-eating amoeba that threatens to blind contact lens wearers the world over," reports Live Science. "'It's absolutely everywhere,' said Professor Craig Roberts at the British Science Festival in Aberdeen, Scotland, according to the Daily Mail, whose headline claims 'millions of contact lens users are at risk of eye-devouring amoeba.' Roberts, who is working with Fiona Henriquez of the University of West Scotland to develop better contact lens cleaning solutions, is referring to the microscopic Acanthamoeba." Read more.

This blog noted the hysterics building in Britain in a post yesterday.

Eyeball Eating Amoeba Consuming British Press

This press release, which reports about what has always been, is devouring the attention of the British news media:

Millions of contact lens wearers are at risk from an eye-devouring amoeba that can cause blindness, experts have warned. Acanthamoeba is abundant in tap water as well as rivers, ponds and lakes. It can infect anyone who fails to clean their lenses properly, or keeps them in a dirty case, yet few people are aware of the parasite, and the condition it causes is often diagnosed wrongly or missed.
Each year in the UK doctors treat around 75 people infected with acanthamoeba. The number is small, but anyone unlucky enough to pick up the organism is in for an unpleasant experience. Acanthamoeba sticks to contact lenses and burrows its way through the cornea, causing acute pain. It feeds on bacteria and the corneal tissue.

Read more.

The fear  apparently has spread to the U.S. Read the CBS News affiliate story. By the way the acanthamoeba was the subject of a presentation by Linda Conlin at recent OpticalCEU continuing education seminars for opticians.

FDA Says Keep CLs Out of Water

Many college students are celebrating spring break by jumping into swimming pools and hot tubs. Contact lenses should not be worn for swimming, taking showers, in bath tubs,or in hot tubs. “We often hear patient questions about wanting to wear their contacts while in a pool or hot tub or even while in the shower. This is not a good idea and can significantly increase the safety risks of contact lens wear,” said corneal sFpecialist Ravi Shah, MD,Eyecare Medical Group, in Portland, ME.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recommended that contact lenses not be exposed to any form of water. Acanthamoeba keratitis, a sight-threatening eye complication, although rare, is caused by an organism in impure water (i.e., swimming pools, tap water, saunas, wells, and showers). “Acanthamoeba, and certain forms of bacteria present in water, can become attached to the contact lenses, possibly resulting in an infection,” said Dr. Shah.

Acanthamoeba Keratitis Strike Firefighter

"Newlywed Hayley Bester has had to look at her wedding pictures with only one eye,"reports tv new state KARE. "Bester's right eye has been the victim of an attack by a water-borne parasite called Acanthamoeba Keratitis." All because he wore CLs. Read more.