How to Kill Acanthamoeba

Acanthamoeba is one of the most ubiquitous organisms in the environment, according to the American Optometric Association (AOA). A genus of amoebae, it is a common protozoa in soil and often found in fresh water. It does not often cause infection in humans, as it is a free-living "bacterivores." But if infection does occur, it is often very serious and can threaten a person's vision.

Things You'll Need

• Hot water
• Soap
• Contact lens case
• Contact lens disinfectant
• Saline solution

Instructions

Kill Acanthamoeba

1. Consult your doctor. The best way to kill the bacterial infection, acanthamoeba keratitis, is with a prescription eye medication. Only a doctor can provide the medication, and it is best to seek professional advice if you suspect an infection, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

2. The AOA suggests prevention to avoid the bacteria. According to the AOA, the best form of prevention is proper contact lens hygiene. The association recommends that you always wash your hands before handling contact lenses. Rubbing and rinsing the surface of the contact lens before it is stored can also remove bacteria.

   The AOA recommends using only optometrist-recommended and sterile products for cleaning and disinfecting lenses. Saline solution and rewetting drops do not disinfect a lens. Do not use tap water to store a contact lens. Discard lens solution once a case is open. Use fresh solution each time you store a lens. Replace contacts during a doctor-prescribed schedule. Do not sleep in contact lenses unless prescribed by your doctor. Never swim in lenses. Do not trade contacts with another person, and do not put lenses in your mouth. The AOA also recommends visiting an optometrist regularly.

3. According to the British Journal of Ophthalmology, it is recommended to conduct a regular scrubbing of contact lenses case interior to "disrupt biofilms." Exposure of a contact lenses case to water with a temperature over 70 degrees C, will kill Acanthamoeba contaminants. Allow for a lenses case to air-dry between uses. Replace cases regularly.

Tips & Warnings

• Seek a doctor's attention if your eye is irritated, if redness and irritation last longer than usual, if you sense a foreign object in your eye, or if you experience sensitivity to light or blurred vision.

References

• The American Optometric Association
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• The British Journal of Ophthalmology

Resources

• The American Optometric Association