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Studies & Research

Up‑to‑date information on Acanthamoeba Keratitis

Acanthamoeba Keratitis (AK) is a complex and often misunderstood condition. Whether you are a patient, caregiver, or healthcare professional, this page brings together the most essential and up‑to‑date information in one place. Our goal is to help you understand AK, explore current research, and stay informed about advances in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

Select a topic from the menu below to explore articles, case studies, publications, clinical trials, and educational resources.

How to Use This Page

We organise AK research into three clear categories to help you find what you need quickly:

  • Diagnosis & Treatment Key studies on identifying AK, understanding symptoms, and evaluating treatment approaches.
  • Advanced Techniques Innovative procedures, emerging therapies, and specialised diagnostic tools used in complex or refractory cases.
  • Epidemiology Research on incidence, risk factors, global trends, and public health implications.

If you have information to share or questions about the resources listed here, we welcome you to contact us. 

Diagnosis & Treatment

  • Przybek‑Skrzypecka et al. Diagnostic features of Acanthamoeba keratitis via in vivo confocal microscopy. Sci Rep 15, 10940 (2025)
  • Global Alliance Against Acanthamoeba Keratitis White Paper (2024)
  • Dart JK et al. The ODAK Trial: PHMB 0.08% vs PHMB 0.02% and Propamidine 0.1%. Ophthalmology (2024)
  • Toba B, Lagali N. In vivo confocal microscopy in suspected AK: 12‑year real‑world data. J Ophthalmic Inflamm Infect (2024)
  • Reynard Z, Eleiwa T. Case Study: Acute painful redness after overnight contact lens wear. Eye Meds Now (2024)
  • Assessing PCR‑Positive Acanthamoeba keratitis — Retrospective Chart Review. Microorganisms (2024)
  • Gavin Li et al. Acanthamoeba epitheliopathy: Importance of early diagnosis. Am J Ophthalmol Case Rep (2022)
  • K. Curro-Tafili et al. Diagnosing and monitoring the characteristics of Acanthamoeba keratitis using slit scanning and laser scanning in vivo confocal microscopy. OPO (2022)

  • Fanselow N et al. Acanthamoeba keratitis: Pathology, Diagnosis and Treatment. Pathogens (2021)

  • Lorenzo‑Morales J., et al. An update on Acanthamoeba keratitis: diagnosis, pathogenesis and treatment. NCBI (2015)
  • McKelvie J., Franzco J., et al. The rising tide of Acanthamoeba keratitis in Auckland, New Zealand: a 7‑year review of presentation, diagnosis and outcomes. (2009–2016)
  • Varacalli G et al. Challenges in Acanthamoeba Keratitis: A Review. J Clin Med (2021)
  • Moe CA et al. Outcomes of amoebic, fungal, and bacterial keratitis. PLOS ONE 17 (2022)
  • Smith C et al. AK: Four‑case series with literature review. Cureus (2022)
  • Kasparova EA et al. Confocal microscopy in AK diagnosis. PMID (2021)
  • Majorino C. Ocular Hypertension, Glaucoma Frequent Complications of Acanthamoeba Keratitis. Optometry Advisor (2021)

Advanced Techniques

  • Hafezi et al. Dual chromophore PACK‑CXL in AK: Case report. Eye and Vision 12:2 (2025)
  • Dart JK et al. ODAK Trial therapeutic insights. Ophthalmology (2024)
  • Simpson A et al. Map biopsy technique before keratoplasty. Cornea (2023)
  • Haapanen S et al. Ultrasensitive rapid diagnostic tool for Acanthamoeba. Science Direct (2023)
  • Elhardt C et al. Calcofluor white staining in AK diagnosis. J Ophthal Inflamm Infect (2023)
  • Di Zazzo A et al. Penetrating vs Lamellar Keratoplasty in AK. Cornea (2022)
  • Raghavan A et al. Voriconazole in Acanthamoeba‑Cladosporium keratitis. Am J Ophthalmol Case Rep (2021)
  • Naranjo A et al. Systemic Miltefosine as adjunct therapy. PubMed (2021)
  • Cartes Cristian et al. Accelerated collagen cross‑linking in advanced AK. Scielo (2019)
  • Khan YA et al. Riboflavin/UV‑A therapy for refractory AK. Kalyani Eye (2011)
  • Sarnicola E et al. Early DALK for medically unresponsive AK. Cornea (2016)

Epidemiology

  • Blaser F et al. Incidence of AK in Switzerland. Microorganisms (2025)
  • Petrillo F et al. Understanding AK: In‑depth review. Microorganisms (2024)
  • Aiello F et al. Systematic review and meta‑analysis of AK incidence. Ophthalmology (2024)
  • Zhang Y et al. Global epidemiology and clinical diagnosis. Science Direct (2023)
  • Campolo A et al. Acanthamoeba encystment on contact lens materials. Microbiology 13 (2022)
  • Rayamajhee B et al. AK as an increasingly common corneal infection. The Lancet Microbe (2021)
  • Marciano‑Cabral F et al. Acanthamoeba spp. as human pathogens. Clin Microbiol Rev (2003)
  • Randag AC et al. Nationwide 7‑year survey on AK incidence. PLOS ONE (2019)
  • Carnt N et al. Risk factors for severe outcomes in 194 AK patients. Br J Ophthalmol (2018)