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5 Facts you should know about

Acanthamoeba keratitis

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1

A rare disease in which amoebae of the genus Acanthamoeba invade the cornea.

2

Acanthamoeba are protozoa found nearly ubiquitously in soil and water, and can cause infections of the skin, eyes, and central nervous system.

3

Infection of the cornea by Acanthamoeba is difficult to treat with conventional medications.

4

Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) may cause permanent visual impairment or blindness, due to damage to the cornea or through damage to other eye structures.

5

In the United States, Acanthamoeba keratitis is nearly always associated with soft contact lens use.

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