The Risk of Acanthamoeba keratitis: What Underlies the Propositions to Fully Exclude Water from the Treatment Procedures for Rigid Gas Permeable Contact Lenses?

Abstract

We have critically analyzed the article by J.E. Legarreta et al. (Acanthamoeba Keratitis Associated with Tap Water Use during Contact Lens Cleaning: Manufacturer Guidelines Need to Change. Eye & Contact Lens 2013; 39: 158-61) proposing to exclude tap water from all treatment procedures for rigid gas permeable contact lenses (RGP) lenses, in order to reduce the risk of acanthamoeba keratitis (AK). We have found the inferences of this publication insufficiently validated and largely biased, and we believe that the authors’ propositions are potentially dangerous for the health of RGP lens wearers. Our main conclusions are as follows: 1) there is no scientific evidence that the use of drinking tap water ONLY for rinsing RGP lenses with the view to fully remove daily cleaner, with subsequent disinfection is risk factor for AK; 2) before such an evidence is obtained, it should not be recommended to exclude tap water completely from all treatment regimens for RGP lenses; 3) access of water under the lens should be avoided, regardless of how it might happen; 4) any change of RGP lens treatment recommendations should not create new (and, possibly, more serious) risks for the lens wearer’s health // Russian Ophthalmological Journal, 2016; 1: 78-83.