British doctors warned contact lens wearers about an infectious disease outbreak that threatens serious impairment of vision and even complete loss of vision. Risk factors are poor hygiene and water treatment.
According to the staff Moorfields eye clinic, in recent years, the number of patients Acanthamoeba keratitis has increased significantly. If during the period from 2000 to 2003 were recorded about a dozen cases per year, by 2016, the figure had risen to 65, according to The Guardian.
The causative agent of the disease, cyst-forming organism, often found in tap water. Probably, in most cases, the victims used ineffective cleaning solution, rinse the lenses after extended wear water or violate the rules of hygiene.
“Those who use reusable lenses, you need to thoroughly wash and dry hands before putting lenses” — said Professor John Dart. He added that the use of lenses while swimming, washing and water treatment also increases the risk.
In August it became known that the inhabitant of Dublin Suzanne Dunn lost vision due to inflammation of the cornea caused by listed under a contact lens microorganism Acanthamoeba. The doctors explained that the favourable conditions for reproduction of pathogens has created the hot weather.