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Acanthamoeba keratitis during orthokeratology

Kirk R Wilhelmus1

  • 1Cullen Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA. kirkw@bcm.tmc.edu

Cornea
|September 15, 2005
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Overnight rigid gas-permeable contact lenses, specifically orthokeratology, can lead to Acanthamoeba keratitis, an infection of the cornea. This complication is increasingly seen in young myopes using these lenses for vision correction.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Contact Lens Technology

Background:

  • Orthokeratology, a non-surgical refractive correction method, involves overnight wear of rigid gas-permeable contact lenses.
  • Myopic reduction using orthokeratology is a popular vision correction alternative for young individuals.
  • Rigid gas-permeable contact lenses are associated with various ocular complications, including infections.

Observation:

  • A case report details a 16-year-old female who developed laboratory-confirmed Acanthamoeba keratitis.
  • The patient was undergoing orthokeratology for myopia reduction at the time of infection.
  • This case aligns with recent literature suggesting a link between Acanthamoeba and gas-permeable contact lens wear in orthokeratology patients.

Findings:

  • Acanthamoeba keratitis is a serious microbial keratitis caused by the Acanthamoeba parasite.
  • Gas-permeable contact lenses, particularly during orthokeratology, may pose an increased risk for Acanthamoeba infections.
  • Teenagers and young adults undergoing orthokeratology are identified as a potential risk group.

Implications:

  • Ophthalmologists should be aware of Acanthamoeba keratitis as an emerging complication of orthokeratology.
  • Enhanced patient education regarding contact lens hygiene and risk factors for Acanthamoeba infection is crucial.
  • Further research is warranted to understand the specific mechanisms and risk factors contributing to Acanthamoeba keratitis in orthokeratology users.

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