infectious diseases
Amebic Keratitis
Key Points
VariousAcanthamoebaspecies can cause chronic and progressively destructive keratitis in otherwise healthy hosts, mainly in contact lens users. Consult with an ophthalmologist about management. Diagnose by examining Giemsa- or trichrome-stained corneal scrapings or by culturing the sample using special media. Herpes simplex keratitis can cause similar lesions; if it seems a possible diagnosis, do viral culture. Debride corneal lesions and treat with topicalchlorhexidine, polyhexamethylene biguanide, or both, plus possibly a diamidine for 6 to12 months. 