Can amoebic keratitis be cured?

In general, whether Acanthamoeba keratitis can be cured depends on the timing of treatment. If detected early and treated properly, most patients can be cured; however, if treatment is delayed or the condition is severe, the difficulty of treatment increases significantly, potentially affecting vision. The details are as follows:

In the early stages of the disease, symptoms often include eye pain, photophobia, and tearing, with relatively superficial corneal damage. Prompt medical attention at this stage allows for a definitive diagnosis through corneal scraping examination. Treatment with anti-amoebic medications, combined with supportive measures such as corneal epithelial debridement, can effectively control the infection and promote corneal healing, enabling most patients to recover good vision.

If not treated promptly, the infection may progress continuously, leading to serious complications such as corneal ulcers and perforation. Even with combined medical and surgical treatments, such as corneal transplantation, it may be difficult to fully restore original vision. Some patients may suffer permanent vision loss, and treatment tends to be prolonged with limited effectiveness.

Preventive care in daily life is essential. Contact lens wearers should strictly follow hygiene guidelines, avoid rinsing lenses with tap water, and regularly replace lenses and solution. Avoid exposing the eyes to contaminated water sources; wearing protective goggles while swimming or showering is recommended.