Acanthamoeba keratitis associated with misuse of daily disposable contact lenses

Abstract 

Purpose

To report a case of Acanthamoeba keratitis that occurred in a daily disposable contact lens wearer.

Method

Case report.

Results

A 70-year-old gentleman presented to eye casualty with a red left eye with reduced vision and corneal epithelial changes. Acanthamoeba keratitis was not suspected initially as he was a daily disposable contact lens wearer. This led to a delay of 17 days in initiating treatment. He responded well to topical polyhexamethylene biguanide and propamidine and made a full recovery.

Conclusion

Acanthamoeba keratitis can occur in patients who reuse daily disposable contact lenses. A diagnosis of Acanthamoeba keratitis can be difficult to make and should be considered in all patients who wear contact lenses, including daily disposable lenses. All patients who wear daily disposable contact lenses should be reminded that the benefits of this modality of contact lens are only possible if the lenses are worn once and thrown away.

Keywords: Acanthamoeba polyphaga, Keratitis, Daily disposable contact lenses