Acanthamoeba keratitis in Tennessee: a growing problem in patients wearing contact lenses.

All physicians evaluating a painful red eye in a contact lens wearer should consider the diagnosis of Acanthamoeba keratitis. Although it remains relatively rare, the incidence of this infection is on the rise. Clues to the correct diagnosis include a corneal abrasion that fails to heal appropriately, pain out of proportion to the clinical findings, and a history of poor contact lens hygiene. Prompt recognition and appropriate ophthalmologic intervention can improve the visual outcome for patients with this devastating corneal infection.