A new study finds rare foci of rare eye infection in lens wearers in the United Kingdom
Researchers at University College London found that Acanthamoeba keratitis rates have almost tripled since 2011 in the south-east of England with corneal inflammation
A preventable infection causes the front of the eye, the cornea becomes painful and inflammation and contact is at greater risk.
To dig, the amoeba can penetrate through the eyeball and cause complete vision loss within a few weeks.
Between 2000 and 2003, eight to ten cases per year were recorded in the hospital, according to a study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology.
This number has increased from 35 to 65 cases per year from 2011 to 2016.
The University of London (UCL) and the Moorfields Eye Hospital stated: “A study conducted in 2002 estimated the prevalence of Acanthamoeba keratitis in the south-east”.
25% of their sight or blind after suffering from the disease.
The Acanthamoeba research group has seen a triple increase in keratitis in the south-east of England since 2011.
The case-control study included 63 people with Acanthamoeba keratitis and 213 without. They all completed a questionnaire, from which researchers found that the risk of developing the disease was more than three times higher in people with poor contact lens hygiene, people who did not always wash their hands before handling their lenses. , those who used a lens disinfectant containing Oxipol (now eliminated by the manufacturer) and for people who carried their contacts in pools or spas. Showering and washing your face while wearing contact lenses are also risk factors.
The lead author, Professor John Dart of the Institute of Ophthalmology and Moorfields Eye Hospital at UCL, said:
“This increase in the number of cases underscores the need for contact lens users to be aware of the risks.
It was clear that there is a problem,” he said. “Acanthamoeba keratitis is one of the worst corneal infections. and The disease is mostly preventable.
Irenie Ekkeshis, part of Acanthamoeba Keratitis Patient Support Group UK, said:
“It is absolutely imperative that regulators and those working in the optical sector take the findings seriously, and use the recommendations to take immediate and urgent action on prevention.
“Contact lenses are medical devices and should be supplied with warnings regarding safe use.”
Professor Dart Said during a Press Briefing
“People who wear reusable contact lenses need to make sure they thoroughly wash and dry their hands before handling contact lenses, and avoid wearing them while swimming, face washing or bathing. Daily disposable lenses, which eliminate the need for contact lens cases or solutions, may be safer and we are currently analysing our data to establish the risk factors for these,”
About The Disease
Acanthamoeba keratitis
- Acanthamoeba keratitis is a disease of the eye that has made the surface in front of the eye, the cornea, painful and inflamed due to infection with acanthamoeba, a cyst that forms microorganisms.
- It is a rare disease in which amoebae invade the cornea of the eye. This can lead to permanent visual problems or blindness.
- Acanthamoeba keratitis, recognized for the first time in 1973, is a rare parasitic infection that threatens vision and is more commonly found in contact lens wearers. It is often characterized by disproportionate pain compared to the results and the late clinical appearance of a stromal cycle infiltrate. It is difficult to diagnose and difficult to treat.
- The most affected patients have less than 25% of their vision. Overall, 25% of those affected by corneal transplantation treat the disease or restore sight.
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