Madalena Lira

Dr. Madalena Lira

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

22Years (2005-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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29 October 2020 in Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
ALAna Gomes de Lacerda
Ana Gomes de Lacerda
MLMadalena Lira
Madalena Lira
Acanthamoeba keratitis is an infection caused by a unicellular protozoan of the genus Acanthamoeba that is universally widespread. Until now, most cases were reported in contact lens wearers, although it is also a reality for non‐wearers, mostly connected to corneal trauma. There is also a variation in incidence regarding the aetiology of the disease between developed and developing countries. Purpose: This work is based on a literature review, and the main goal is to deepen the knowledge about Acanthamoeba keratitis, presenting the main risk factors and focusing on prevention actions for this type of corneal infection since the treatments are not always effective. It targets specialists in visual health to strengthen their knowledge in this area, as well as to allow them to better inform their patients about hygiene care, appropriate measures of disinfection and ways to minimise the risk of infection. At this stage, it is important to highlight the essential role that practitioners play in fitting, monitoring and following‐up patients to minimise the danger of infection. Recent findings: It is well recognised that corneal trauma facilitates invasion by leaving an open door for microorganisms to penetrate the cornea. In addition to trauma, risk factors are mostly associated with patients’ behaviours, such as interaction of contact lenses with contaminated water in the shower, swimming pools and beaches, etc., lack of hygiene habits with contact lenses and respective cases, and the use of ineffective disinfecting solutions. The fact that a disinfecting solution is not completely effective against trophozoites and/or cysts, both forms of Acanthamoeba ’s lifecycle, can cause the infection since one cyst alone leads to the emergence of a whole new population of Acanthamoeba . Summary: It is necessary to reduce the risk of infection and, beyond the need to promote patient education to encourage correct CL hygiene behaviours, it should also be highlighted that there is an urgent need to enhance the efficacy of CL disinfection systems against all strains and both stages of Acanthamoeba through the creation of standardised methods. The ease of purchasing CLs without any supervision must also be considered a concern, and, in the near future, it is also important to develop and implement effective diagnostic methods and treatments for Acanthamoeba keratitis.

1 June 2005 in Optometry and Vision Science
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
MHMaria Henriques
Maria Henriques
Cláudia SousaCláudia Sousa
Cláudia Sousa
MLMadalena Lira
Madalena Lira
MEM Elisabete
M Elisabete
M. Elisabete C.D. Real OliveiraM. Elisabete C.D. Real Oliveira
M. Elisabete C.D. Real Oliveira
JAJoana Azeredo
Joana Azeredo

1 July 2007 in Contact Lens and Anterior Eye
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
LSLívia Santos
Lívia Santos
DRDiana Rodrigues
Diana Rodrigues
MLMadalena Lira
Madalena Lira
M. Elisabete C.D. Real OliveiraM. Elisabete C.D. Real Oliveira
M. Elisabete C.D. Real Oliveira
RORosário Oliveira
Rosário Oliveira
JAJoana Azeredo
Joana Azeredo

1 June 2010 in Optometry and Vision Science
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
MFMaría Jesús Giráldez Fernández
María Jesús Giráldez Fernández
CRCarlos Garcia Resua
Carlos Garcia Resua
MLMadalena Lira
Madalena Lira
M. Elisabete C.D. Real OliveiraM. Elisabete C.D. Real Oliveira
M. Elisabete C.D. Real Oliveira
BFBEATRIZ MAGARIÑOS FERRO
BEATRIZ MAGARIÑOS FERRO
EYEva Yebra‐Pimentel
Eva Yebra‐Pimentel

21 December 2005 in Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
PDF file
JGJosé M. Gonzalez-Méijome
José M. Gonzalez-Méijome
MLMadalena Lira
Madalena Lira
ALAntonio López‐Alemany
Antonio López‐Alemany
JAJosé B. Almeida
José B. Almeida
MPManuel A. Parafita
Manuel A. Parafita
MRMiguel F. Refojo
Miguel F. Refojo

4 March 2022 in Survey of Ophthalmology
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
FSFilipe Da Silva
Filipe Da Silva
MLMadalena Lira
Madalena Lira