infections
Amebic Keratitis (Eye Infection)
Treatment of Amebic Keratitis
Antibiotics An eye doctor (ophthalmologist) should promptly start treatment of amebic keratitis. Early, superficial infection can be treated more easily. If sores are superficial, doctors use a cotton-tipped applicator to remove infected and damaged cells. Doctors treat amebic keratitis with the following antibiotics applied as eye drops for 6 months to a year: Chlorhexidineand/or polyhexamethylene biguanide Propamidine or hexamidine These medications are applied every hour or two when treatment is started. Treatment is intensive the first month, then gradually decreased as healing occurs. Treatment often lasts 6 to 12 months. If treatment is stopped too soon, the infection is likely to recur. Corticosteroid eye drops should not be used. Surgery to repair the cornea (keratoplasty) is rarely needed unless diagnosis and treatment are delayed or drug treatment is ineffective. 