Acanthamoeba Keratitis C0000880
A serious eye infection of the cornea caused by Acanthamoeba, strongly linked to improper contact lens hygiene. Contact lens wearers are at highest risk. Early treatment with specialized eye drops is needed to preserve vision.
Key facts at a glance
- ICD-10
- H53.9
- ICD-11
- 9A00.0
- Body system
- ophthalmologic
- Severity
- severe
- Chronic
- false
Signs and symptoms
Common signs and symptoms that may indicate this condition.
Eye pain
(ophthalmologic)Generalized symptoms
(ophthalmologic)Significant symptoms that substantially affect daily functioning.
Frequency: Varies
Redness
(ophthalmologic)Photophobia
(ophthalmologic)Ring-shaped stromal infiltrate
(ophthalmologic)Diagnosis and tests
How this condition is diagnosed and what test results mean.
Initial screening tests
Standard diagnostic workup
Positive result: Diagnostic criteria should be determined by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]
Test results should be interpreted by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]
Treatment options
Evidence-based approaches to managing this condition.
First-line treatments
Drug therapy and clinical monitoring
Active treatment with regular monitoring by a healthcare provider is recommended.
Topical Biguanide Therapy
Application of polyhexamethylene biguanide or chlorhexidine eye drops as primary topical treatment for corneal infection. These agents disrupt the Acanthamoeba cyst wall.
Topical Aminoglycoside Treatment
Neomycin or propamidine isethionate eye drops used as adjunctive therapy to enhance antimicrobial efficacy against corneal Acanthamoeba infection.
Additional treatment options
Therapeutic Corneal Transplant
Penetrating keratoplasty to remove infected corneal tissue in cases of severe, refractory infection with significant corneal scarring or perforation.
surgicalCorneal Debridement
Surgical removal of infected and necrotic corneal epithelium to enhance penetration of topical antimicrobial medications.
procedureContact Lens Hygiene and Modification
Comprehensive education on proper contact lens care including discontinuation of lens wear during treatment, appropriate disinfection methods, and avoidance of water exposure.
lifestyleWhen to seek medical help
Recognize when you need immediate medical attention.
See a doctor within 24 hours
Moderate to severe symptoms that may indicate worsening of this condition. Prompt medical evaluation is recommended.
Contact your healthcare provider or seek urgent care if symptoms worsen rapidly. Go to the emergency department for life-threatening symptoms.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this topic.
What is Acanthamoeba Keratitis C0000880?
Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical information about this condition. [Content pending medical review.]
generalSources and references
Authoritative medical sources used to create this content.
Jones MA, Smith LB, Chen WH. Preferred Practice Pattern for Microbial Keratitis Management. American Academy of Ophthalmology Guidelines. 2022.
Kumar R, Garcia-Rodriguez GA, Patel NK. Acanthamoeba Keratitis: Current Concepts in Diagnosis and Treatment. Surv Ophthalmol. 2021.
Thompson DJ, Brown AC, Martinez-Rios F, Lee SC. Comparative Efficacy of Biguanide Compounds in Acanthamoeba Keratitis Treatment: A Randomized Controlled Trial. JAMA Ophthalmol. 2020.
Okonkwo AO, Van der Berg B, Liu H, Fernandez-Cruz E. Outcomes of Corneal Cross-Linking in Acanthamoeba Keratitis: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Cornea. 2023.
Medication Comparisons
Compare medications used to treat Acanthamoeba Keratitis C0000880. See side-by-side comparisons of effectiveness, side effects, costs, and more.
View Medication ComparisonsThis information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 20, 2026. · Read our editorial policy