Health Care Providers
Communicable Diseases, Epidemiology and Immunization
May 30, 2007
Health Advisory: Acanthamoeba Keratitis Associated with Contact Lens Solution
Action requested:
- Look for symptoms of acanthamoeba keratitis in contact lens wearers: eye pain or redness, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, sensation of something in the eye, and/or excessive tearing.
- For suspected cases of acanthamoeba keratitis consult an ophthalmologist.
- Consider obtaining clinical specimens (e.g., corneal scrapings) for culture before initiating treatment.
- Report cases of acanthamoeba keratitis to Public Health at 206-296-4774.
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Background:
CDC has received reports of 138 cases of culture-confirmed Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) in 35 states and Puerto Rico; as yet no cases have been reported in Washington State. Thirty-nine of the 46 case-patients wore soft contact lenses. Preliminary information obtained by CDC from patient interviews indicates that, among soft contact lens users who reported the use of any type of solution, 21 (58%) reported having used Advanced Medical Optics (AMO) CompleteR MoisturePlusTM Multi-Purpose Solution in the month prior to symptom onset. Out of the 37 casepatients for whom clinical data was available, 9 (24%) failed medical therapy and required or are expected to undergo corneal transplantation.
Clinicians evaluating contact lens users with symptoms of eye pain or redness, tearing, decreased visual acuity, discharge, sensitivity to light, or foreign body sensation should consider AK and refer the patient to an ophthalmologist, if appropriate. Early diagnosis can greatly improve treatment efficacy.
Contact lens wearing patients who use AMO CompleteR MoisturePlusTM Multi-Purpose Solution should immediately:
- Stop using the product and discard all remaining solution
- Discard current lens storage container.
- Discard current pair of soft lenses.
- See a health care provider if experiencing any signs of eye infection
Clinicians or microbiology laboratories should report cases of AK to Public Health at 206-296-4774.
Resources:
CDC Acanthamoeba website with updated outbreak information
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