KENNESAW, Ga., March 06, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Disposable daily contact lenses are an effective way to avoid conditions related to a recent rise in acanthamoeba, reports Hobson Eye Associates. Other contact lenses, improper handling and poor hygiene can place patients at risk of infection from this parasite and lead to keratitis of the eye. Keratitis is a difficult eye infection to treat with some patients requiring a corneal transplant, a surgical treatment, to respond to the infection and restore the appearance and usual function of the eye and related structures.
Keratitis is a rare but serious eye infection found most often to happen with contact lens wearers. When Acanthamoeba keratitis was first diagnosed in 1973, 90 percent of cases involved contact lens wearers. Recent years have found sporadic outbreaks of this condition among those wearing contact lenses. Acanthamoeba can be found in the water supply and many “no-rub” solutions are ineffective in killing the parasite. It can be killed when rubbing off the lens surface while cleaning and good contact lens cleaning is an effective way to prevent an infection. Disposable daily contact lenses are a simple method to prevent the eye from being infected with Acanthamoeba keratitis.
A recent investigative report from a local news outlet has shared the alarming concern that contact lens wearers are at risk of infection from this tiny microorganism that actually feeds off of the eye, with an individual that had contracted the infection now having to have his eye removed after 3 previous surgeries. Many lens wearers are unaware of the threat and change their habits and type of lenses when educated.
“There is little that we can do with individuals once they are infected, outside of surgery,” said Dr. Chris Hobson. “In my experience, prevention is key and most contact lens wearers are unaware of the risks that they place themselves in, not knowing how to properly maintain sanitary conditions of their contact lenses. Daily disposable contact lenses are a simple solution to preventing this parasite from getting into the eye and causing debilitating conditions and surgery. We are happy to educate patients on proper handling and hygiene of contact lenses but for many the convenience and sanitary conditions presented with daily disposable lenses afford them the best choice.”
Dr. Chris Hobson, Dr. Heather Zutaut, and Dr. Jessica L. Hall have been serving the residents of Kennesaw and Cobb County for over 37 years. Hobson Eye Associates is a full service eye and vision care provider that offers everything from eye exams, and eye disease screening, to handling macular degeneration.
Call (770) 424-2020 to understand the options for contact lens wearers to prevent acanthamoeba keratitis or to schedule an appointment to learn more about disposable daily contact lenses. Visit http://hobsoneye.com/ for more details.
http://www.allaboutvision.com/contacts/acanthamoeba-keratitis.htm
http://www.wsbtv.com/news/news/local/are-contacts-putting-you-risk-infection-parasite/nqQPH/