Frequently Asked Questions about Acanthamoeba Keratitis

Oct 13, 2025 by thesweetdesigns.com 127 views

The Level of Knowledge about the Risk Factor of Acanthamoeba Keratitis in Contact Lens Users and its Relationship with the Characteristics of USU FK Students

Introduction

Acanthamoeba keratitis is a serious corneal infection caused by the free-living amoeba Acanthamoeba spp. The use of contact lenses is a major risk factor for this infection, with 90% of cases related to it. As a result, it is essential to assess the level of knowledge regarding the risk factor of Acanthamoeba Keratitis in contact lens users, particularly among students who use contact lenses. This study aims to investigate the level of knowledge about the risk factor of Acanthamoeba Keratitis in contact lens users and its relationship with the characteristics of students of the Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra (FK USU).

Methodology

This study employed an analytical research design with a cross-sectional approach. The sample consisted of 100 USU FK students who entered the university between 2017 and 2020. Data collection was carried out through a questionnaire that assessed the level of knowledge about the risk factor of Acanthamoeba Keratitis. The questionnaire was designed to evaluate the students' understanding of the risk factor, its causes, and prevention methods.

Results

The results of this study showed that 63% of the respondents had good knowledge about the risk factor of Acanthamoeba Keratitis, 34% had sufficient knowledge, and 3% had less knowledge. These findings indicate that most USU FK students have a good understanding of the risk factor of Acanthamoeba Keratitis.

Bivariate Analysis

Bivariate analysis using the Fisher's Exact Test revealed that there was no significant relationship between sex and the level of knowledge of the risk factor of Acanthamoeba Keratitis (P-value > 0.05). However, there was a significant relationship between the entry year (stambuk) and the level of knowledge of the risk factor of Acanthamoeba Keratitis (p-value < 0.05). These findings indicate that more senior USU FK students tend to have better knowledge about the risk factor of Acanthamoeba Keratitis.

Deeper Analysis

The results of this study indicate that most USU FK students have good knowledge about the risk factor of Acanthamoeba Keratitis. This shows high awareness about the potential risk of this infection, especially among contact lens users. However, there are still proportions of students who have less knowledge. This is a concern because low knowledge can increase the risk of infection. It is essential to emphasize the importance of education and awareness about Acanthamoeba Keratitis, especially among contact lens users.

Recommendation

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

*** Increased Education: *** Educational programs about Acanthamoeba Keratitis, risk factors, and their prevention need to be done regularly at USU FK, especially for new students.

*** Campaign Awareness: *** Awareness campaign about Acanthamoeba Keratitis can be done through social media, posters, or seminars.

*** Periodic Monitoring: *** Periodic monitoring of student knowledge levels regarding the risk factor of Acanthamoeba Keratitis can be done to measure the effectiveness of educational programs.

Conclusion

This study provides a good picture of the level of knowledge of USU FK students about Acanthamoeba Keratitis. The findings of this study highlight the importance of education and awareness about Acanthamoeba Keratitis, especially among contact lens users. The recommendations made in this study aim to improve the level of knowledge about the risk factor of Acanthamoeba Keratitis among USU FK students and reduce the risk of infection.

Limitations

This study has several limitations. The sample size was relatively small, and the study only included USU FK students who entered the university between 2017 and 2020. Future studies should aim to include a larger sample size and a more diverse population.

Future Research Directions

Future research should aim to investigate the level of knowledge about the risk factor of Acanthamoeba Keratitis among contact lens users in other populations, such as healthcare professionals or the general public. Additionally, studies should aim to evaluate the effectiveness of educational programs and awareness campaigns in improving the level of knowledge about the risk factor of Acanthamoeba Keratitis.

References

[List of references cited in the study]

Appendix

[Appendix materials, such as additional tables or figures, that support the findings of the study]

Abstract

Acanthamoeba keratitis is a serious corneal infection caused by the free-living amoeba Acanthamoeba spp. The use of contact lenses is a major risk factor for this infection. This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge regarding the risk factor of Acanthamoeba Keratitis in contact lens users and its relationship with the characteristics of students of the Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra (FK USU). The results showed that most USU FK students have good knowledge about the risk factor of Acanthamoeba Keratitis. However, there are still proportions of students who have less knowledge. This study provides a good picture of the level of knowledge of USU FK students about Acanthamoeba Keratitis and highlights the importance of education and awareness about Acanthamoeba Keratitis, especially among contact lens users.
Frequently Asked Questions about Acanthamoeba Keratitis

Q: What is Acanthamoeba Keratitis?

A: Acanthamoeba keratitis is a serious corneal infection caused by the free-living amoeba Acanthamoeba spp. It is a rare but potentially blinding disease that affects the cornea, the clear layer on the front of the eye.

Q: What are the risk factors for Acanthamoeba Keratitis?

A: The use of contact lenses is a major risk factor for Acanthamoeba keratitis. Other risk factors include swimming in contaminated water, using tap water to clean contact lenses, and having a weakened immune system.

Q: How is Acanthamoeba Keratitis diagnosed?

A: Acanthamoeba keratitis is typically diagnosed through a combination of clinical examination, laboratory tests, and imaging studies. A healthcare professional may perform a slit-lamp examination, take a sample of the cornea, or use imaging studies such as ultrasound or optical coherence tomography (OCT) to diagnose the condition.

Q: What are the symptoms of Acanthamoeba Keratitis?

A: The symptoms of Acanthamoeba keratitis may include:

Eye pain or discomfort
Redness or inflammation of the eye
Blurred vision or sensitivity to light
Discharge or crusting on the eye
Flashes of light or seeing halos around lights

Q: How is Acanthamoeba Keratitis treated?

A: Treatment for Acanthamoeba keratitis typically involves a combination of medications, including antibiotics, antifungals, and antiparasitic agents. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the infected cornea and replace it with a healthy one.

Q: Can Acanthamoeba Keratitis be prevented?

A: Yes, Acanthamoeba keratitis can be prevented by taking proper care of contact lenses, including:

Cleaning and disinfecting contact lenses regularly
Rinsing contact lenses with sterile saline solution
Avoiding swimming in contaminated water
Avoiding using tap water to clean contact lenses
Getting regular eye exams to detect any potential problems early

Q: What is the prognosis for Acanthamoeba Keratitis?

A: The prognosis for Acanthamoeba keratitis depends on the severity of the infection and the promptness of treatment. In mild cases, the infection may resolve on its own with treatment. In severe cases, the infection may lead to permanent vision loss or even blindness.

Q: How can I reduce my risk of getting Acanthamoeba Keratitis?

A: To reduce your risk of getting Acanthamoeba keratitis, follow these tips:

Clean and disinfect your contact lenses regularly
Avoid swimming in contaminated water
Avoid using tap water to clean your contact lenses
Get regular eye exams to detect any potential problems early
Wear contact lenses as directed by your eye care professional

Q: What should I do if I suspect I have Acanthamoeba Keratitis?

A: If you suspect you have Acanthamoeba keratitis, seek medical attention immediately. Contact your eye care professional or visit an emergency room for further evaluation and treatment.

Q: Can Acanthamoeba Keratitis be spread from person to person?

A: No, Acanthamoeba keratitis is not typically spread from person to person. It is usually caused by contaminated contact lenses or water.

Q: How common is Acanthamoeba Keratitis?

A: Acanthamoeba keratitis is a rare but potentially blinding disease. It affects approximately 1 in 1 million people worldwide.

Q: Can Acanthamoeba Keratitis be treated with antibiotics?

A: No, Acanthamoeba keratitis is typically treated with a combination of medications, including antifungals and antiparasitic agents. Antibiotics may be used in some cases, but they are not typically effective against Acanthamoeba.

Q: How long does it take to recover from Acanthamoeba Keratitis?

A: The recovery time for Acanthamoeba keratitis depends on the severity of the infection and the promptness of treatment. In mild cases, the infection may resolve on its own with treatment within a few weeks. In severe cases, the infection may take several months to resolve.