How is acanthamoeba keratitis diagnosed?

How is acanthamoeba keratitis diagnosed?

A healthcare provider specializing in eye care, such as an optometrist or ophthalmologist, can diagnose acanthamoeba keratitis. They perform an eye exam, review your symptoms and assess your contact lens hygiene (if you wear contacts).

It’s easy to misdiagnose this infection because the symptoms are similar to those of other corneal diseases. So, it’s very important to tell your healthcare provider if you’ve been in contact with any potentially contaminated water or other substances.

Tests for acanthamoeba keratitis may include:

• Corneal scraping: Also called superficial keratectomy, corneal scraping is a procedure to remove cells from the surface of your cornea. Your healthcare provider numbs the surface of your eye and uses a small blade or brush to remove cells. They study the cells under a microscope or perform laboratory tests on the cells to check for infection.
• Confocal microscopy: This exam uses laser light to create highly detailed images of every layer in your cornea. Your healthcare provider uses a special microscope to see corneal cells, nerves and any parasites, such as the acanthamoeba.