Symptoms Of Acanthamoeba Keratitis

A Severe Headache

It might seem surprising that a problem with the eye can lead to a headache, but this occurs frequently with many eye conditions. The cornea has many nerves, which makes it very sensitive. Even the slightest bit of debris can be excruciatingly painful. Now imagine an amoeba has infiltrated this sensitive region. As the organism creates more and more damage, the nerves are stimulated. These nerves are connected to other nerves in the head. The main optic nerve behind the eye leads to the brain. Consistent pressure, irritation, and inflammation in the eye caused by Acanthamoeba keratitis can lead to severe headaches.

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Tearing And Redness In Eyes

Redness is a common symptom of infection or irritation of the eye. This is because the small blood vessels in the eye expand and are filled with more blood, making them more visible at the eye's surface. Tearing is the body's natural response to clear the eye of any foreign particles or irritation. Once the corneal surface has been breached, such as by Acanthamoeba, irritation ensues and triggers the body to try to get rid of the irritating substance. Because the flow of tears is not enough to clear away the amoeba, excessive tearing is common with this condition. Tearing and redness in eyes may also occur when they are exposed to bright lights.

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