Choroiditis Amoebic

Amoebic choroiditis: causes, symptoms and treatment

Amebic choroiditis, also known as amoebica choroiditis, is a rare infectious disease caused by an amoeba. This condition affects the choroid, the vascular layer of the eye located between the retina and sclera, and can cause serious vision problems if not detected and treated promptly.

The amoeba, called Acanthamoeba, is a free-living microorganism found in the environment, including soil, fresh water and dust. A person can become infected with the amoeba through contact with contaminated water, damaged surfaces of the eye, or contact lenses that have not been properly cleaned or disinfected.

Symptoms of amoebic choroiditis include a variety of presentations, which can be confusing for doctors and patients. Some of the common symptoms include:

1. Redness and irritation of the eye.
2. Pain or discomfort in the eye.
3. Feeling of a foreign body in the eye.
4. Deterioration of vision.
5. Sensitivity to light.
6. Redness of the sclera (white of the eye).
7. Sensation of sand or foreign body in the eye.

If you suspect amoebic choroiditis, you should consult an ophthalmologist who will conduct a comprehensive eye examination. Diagnosis may require taking samples from the eye mucus or tissue, which will be analyzed for the presence of the amoeba.

Treatment of amoebic choroiditis usually involves the use of anti-amoebic drugs such as amphotericin B or biguanides, which are prescribed depending on the severity of the infection. Additionally, it is important to practice good contact lens hygiene and avoid contact with contaminated water to prevent recurrences or infection of other ocular structures.

In some cases, especially if the infection is advanced, surgery may be required to remove the affected tissue or implant an antimicrobial lens to improve visual function.

Amoebic choroiditis is a serious disease that requires a quick and accurate diagnosis, as well as proper treatment. To prevent illness, good hygiene is recommended, especially when using contact lenses or coming into contact with water that may be contaminated with amoebas. If you experience any symptoms or suspect amoebic choroiditis, you should contact your doctor for professional medical help.