Acanthamoeba keratitis related to cosmetic contact lenses

Abstract

We report a rare case of Acanthamoeba keratitis related to cosmetic contact lenses in both eyes. A 17-year-old girl with a history of wearing cosmetic contact lenses presented with keratitis. She purchased cosmetic contact lenses via the Internet, and followed a contact lens care system irregularly, occasionally using tap water. Cell culture was performed on samples collected from a corneal scraping, the contact lenses and the storage cases. The isolated organism was Acanthamoeba. The patient was treated with polyhexamethylene biguanide and chlorhexidine for 3 months, and recovered with normal visual acuity. 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 accessing the lenses, and this must be communicated to the public.