Final answer:
The health care provider will refer a patient with severe eye infection, such as Acanthamoeba keratitis, to an ophthalmologist for specialized care, including intensive treatment with antiseptics and possibly a corneal transplant.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a patient has a severe eye infection such as Acanthamoeba keratitis, which is notoriously difficult to treat, the health care provider will likely make a referral to an ophthalmologist. An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor specialized in the diagnosis and treatment of eye disorders. Given that Acanthamoeba keratitis requires prompt treatment to prevent progression, the patient may undergo intensive treatment spanning three to four weeks. This treatment may include the application of topical antiseptics like polyhexamethylene biguanide or chlorhexidine. Care has to be taken with the use of corticosteroids, as they can suppress the immune system and potentially worsen the infection. In advanced cases where there is significant damage to the cornea, a corneal transplant might be necessary to prevent blindness.