Keratitis Eye Infection

Acanthamoeba Keratitis has been linked to Complete MoisturePlus Multipurpose Contact Solution manufactured by Advanced Medical Optics. Multiple cases of Acanthamoeba Keratitis have been reported to the CDC that were associated with their contact solution. If you have suffered from Keratitis after using the recalled MoisturePlus contact solution please contact a contact solution recall attorney for a free consultation for your legal rights.

The following information is reprinted from the CDC regarding the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of Acanthamoeba infection.

Acanthamoeba Infection

	Early inflammation due to Acanthamoeba keratitis. (Photo courtesy of Dan B. Jones, M.D.)

Acanthamoeba is a microscopic, free-living ameba that is relatively common in the environment. This ameba has been isolated from water (including natural and treated water in pools or hot tubs), soil, air (in association with cooling towers, heating, ventilation and air conditioner [HVAC] systems), sewage systems, and drinking water systems (shower heads, taps). Most people will be exposed to Acanthamoeba during their lifetime and will not get sick. However, Acanthamoeba is capable of causing several infections in humans.

• Acanthamoeba keratitis – A local infection of the eye that typically occurs in healthy persons and can result in permanent visual impairment or blindness.
• Granulomatous Amebic Encephalitis (GAE) – A serious infection of the brain and spinal cord that typically occurs in persons with a compromised immune system.
• Disseminated infection – A widespread infection that can affect the skin, sinuses, lungs, and other organs independently or in combination. It is also more common in persons with a compromised immune system.

Diagnosis

Eye of patient with Acanthamoeba kerititis. (Photo courtesy of Dan B. Jones, M.D.)

Early diagnosis is essential for effective treatment of Acanthamoeba keratitis. The infection is usually diagnosed by an eye specialist based on symptoms, growth of the ameba from a scraping of the eye, and/or seeing the ameba by a process called confocal microscopy.

Granulomatous Amebic Encephalitis (GAE) and disseminated infection are more difficult to diagnose and are often at advanced stages when they are diagnosed. Tests useful in the diagnosis of GAE include brain scans, biopsies, or spinal taps. In disseminated disease, biopsy of the involved sites (e.g., skin, sinuses) can be useful in diagnosis.

Treatment

Early diagnosis is essential for effective treatment of Acanthamoeba keratitis. Several prescription eye medications are available for treatment. However, the infection can sometimes be difficult to treat and the best treatment regimen for each patient should be determined by an eye doctor. If you suspect your eye might be infected with Acanthamoeba, see an ophthalmologist immediately.

Skin infection without involvement of the central nervous system can be successfully treated. Because this is a serious infection and those affected typically have weakened immune systems, early diagnosis offers the best chance at cure.

Most cases of brain and spinal cord infection with Acanthamoeba (Granulomatous Amebic Encephalitis) are fatal.

Prevention

These guidelines should be followed by all contact lens users to help reduce the risk of eye infections, including Acanthamoeba keratitis:

• Visit your eye care provider for regular eye examinations.
• Wear and replace contact lenses according to the schedule prescribed by your eye care provider.
• Remove contact lenses before any activity involving contact with water, including showering, using a hot tub, or swimming. Extended-wear contact lens users should discuss concerns with their eye care provider.
• Wash hands with soap and water and dry before handling contact lenses.
• Clean contact lenses according to the manufacturer’s guidelines and instructions from your eye care provider.

1.       Use fresh cleaning or disinfecting solution each time lenses are cleaned and stored. Never reuse or top off old solution.

2.       Never use saline solution and rewetting drops to disinfect lenses. Neither solution is an effective or approved disinfectant.

• Store reusable lenses in the proper storage case.

1.       Storage cases should be rinsed with sterile contact lens solution (never use tap water) and left open to dry after each use.

2.       Replace storage cases at least once every three months

If you or a loved one have experienced the serious eye infection Acanthamoeba keratitis following the use of Complete MoisturePlus contact solution or have had a cornea transplant you may have a claim against the manufacturer due to the contact solution recall.

Please contact a contact solution recall lawyer today by either calling 612-370-1511 or Toll Free 1-888-343-5375 or by filling out our brief contact form for a free, confidential no-obligation review of your Complete Moisture contact solution recall case.