Acanthamoeba keratitis — UKMLA Revision Notes

Acanthamoeba keratitis is an important clinical condition in Ophthalmology that is tested in the UKMLA Applied Knowledge Test (AKT). Medical students and doctors preparing for the UKMLA or PLAB 1 must understand the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, investigations, and evidence-based management of Acanthamoeba keratitis as outlined in current NICE guidelines.

Key Facts

Acanthamoeba keratitis is a key condition on the GMC UKMLA Content Map
Commonly tested in the Ophthalmology section of the UKMLA Applied Knowledge Test
Understand the pathophysiology, clinical features, investigations, and management
NICE guidelines provide the evidence base for management decisions
Consider differential diagnoses and red flag symptoms in clinical scenarios

Investigations

Visual acuity (Snellen chart)
Slit-lamp examination
Fundoscopy
IOP (tonometry)
Visual field testing
OCT

Management

Urgent ophthalmology review for sight-threatening conditions
Topical/systemic treatment as indicated
Patch/shield if trauma
Ophthalmology outpatient follow-up
Patient education on warning symptoms
Low vision rehabilitation if needed

Practice 1+ Acanthamoeba keratitis Questions

Test your knowledge with SBA questions on Acanthamoeba keratitis and all 430 UKMLA Content Map conditions. Instant feedback, NICE guideline explanations, and spaced repetition included.