Diagnostic Procedures in Diagnosing Acanthamoeba Keratitis

The “gold standard” in diagnosing Acanthamoeba Keratitis is generally to perform and obtain a corneal scraping, which will look for Acanthaoemeba trophozoites and cysts.

Some of the more experienced eye doctors will also sometimes conduct a DNA analysis of the collected corneal scraping specimens to verify a diagnosis because Acanthamoeba Keratitis can sometimes cause other superimposing bacterial infections.

Some of the medications that have been shown to be at least somewhat effective in treating an Acanthamoeba Keratitis infection are:

•    Ketoconazole, itraconazole, fluconazole
•    Pentamidine
•    Hydroxystilbamidine
•    Paromomycin
•    Polymyxin
•    Colistin
•    Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim)
•    Sulfadiazine
•    Flucytosine
•    Clotrimazole
•    Phenothiazines
•    Rifampin
•    Neosporin
•    Polyhexamethylene biguanide
•    Propamidine

Most of the time, these drugs will be used in combinations.  Therapy has to generally be very aggressive.  In addition to the  aforementioned drugs, doctors may also use ocular steroids for inflammation.

If you or a loved one have developed a corneal infection (keratitis) while using any multi-purpose contact lens solution, you should contact us immediately. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.