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Can A Brain Amoeba Enter Brain Through The Eye?
Question: Hey! I was cleaning this afternoon around 3 pm and a little of the Clorox disinfecting wipe accidentally slung back in my eye. I immediately got I the shower and rinsed my eye out for about 10-15 mins. I have two questions: during the eye rinsing it felt as if some water might have gotten in my nose through my eye and I was wondering is that possible (it feels as if some water is trapped in my nose somewhere) and if so is there a possibility that a brain amoeba can enter my brain through my eye? Second question is that I currently suffer from dry eyes and I was wondering if all the eye washing might make my eyes feel even drier now.
Brief Answer:
Dry eyes and amoebic encephalitis
Detailed Answer:
Hi Ms. XXXXXXX
Welcome to health care magic.
I understand your concern regarding getting infected by ameobae.
First of all, disinfectants are mild irritants and they have to be washed off immediately if any exposure to eye has occurred, which you have correctly done.
Coming to your queries:
1. The eye and nose are connected to each each other by a duct called as nasolacrimal duct which basically connects the tear glands and the nose.
There is a possibility that free living amoebae like naegleria and acanthamoeba can gain entry into the body through the nose and eyes and cause meningoencephalitis but such exposure usually occurs in public swimming pools, fresh water lakes and ponds which are contaminated by these forms.
Rarely occurs in tap or shower water.
2. Dry eyes is mainly due to exposure to harsh light, dry conditions, air conditioned air, decreased tear production and prolonged exposure to computer screens. Washing will not make the eyes drier. Doctors prescribe artificial tears to keep the surface of the eyes moist and decrease the irritation.
The best treatment for XXXXXXX eyes would be to avoid the triggers causing it and using lubricating eye solutions 3-4 times a day.
I suggest you quit worrying unnecessarily.
I hope I have cleared your doubts.
Please get back if any more clarifications.
Thanks.
Dry eyes and amoebic encephalitis
Detailed Answer:
Hi Ms. XXXXXXX
Welcome to health care magic.
I understand your concern regarding getting infected by ameobae.
First of all, disinfectants are mild irritants and they have to be washed off immediately if any exposure to eye has occurred, which you have correctly done.
Coming to your queries:
1. The eye and nose are connected to each each other by a duct called as nasolacrimal duct which basically connects the tear glands and the nose.
There is a possibility that free living amoebae like naegleria and acanthamoeba can gain entry into the body through the nose and eyes and cause meningoencephalitis but such exposure usually occurs in public swimming pools, fresh water lakes and ponds which are contaminated by these forms.
Rarely occurs in tap or shower water.
2. Dry eyes is mainly due to exposure to harsh light, dry conditions, air conditioned air, decreased tear production and prolonged exposure to computer screens. Washing will not make the eyes drier. Doctors prescribe artificial tears to keep the surface of the eyes moist and decrease the irritation.
The best treatment for XXXXXXX eyes would be to avoid the triggers causing it and using lubricating eye solutions 3-4 times a day.
I suggest you quit worrying unnecessarily.
I hope I have cleared your doubts.
Please get back if any more clarifications.
Thanks.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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