Acanthamoeba Keratitis Related to Cosmetic Contact Lenses

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To report a rare case of Acanthamoeba keratitis in both eyes related to cosmetic contact lenses. METHODS: A 17-year-old girl with a history of wearing cosmetic contact lenses presented with keratitis. She purchased cosmetic contact lenses on the internet, and used contact lens care system irregularly with tap water. RESULTS: After analysis of the corneal scraping, the contact lenses and the storage solution, the organism Acanthamoeba was identified. The patient was treated with polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB) and chlorhexidine for 3 months, and recovered with normal visual acuity. CONCLUSIONS: Poor hygiene and insufficient disinfection may be major risk factors for Acanthameoba keratitis in cosmetic contact lens wearers. The cosmetic contact lens user should receive professional advice before using these lenses, and this precaution must be communicated to the public.