While fungal eye infections are extremely rare, they can happen to anyone.
They may result from a minor poke in the eye by a branch or similar object.
If not treated effectively, fungal infections can threaten vision.
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It’s very important to know the potential signs and seek help.
Some people have a higher risk of developing fungal infections, including those of the eye.
Types of Fungal Eye Infections
A fungal infection can occur in different areas of the eye.
Those located in the front layer of the eye are known askeratitis.
This clear area is thecornea.
If it affects the deeper layers of the cornea, a scar can form that may affect vision.
A fungal infection that occurs inside of the eye is known asendophthalmitis.
It may take anywhere from just a couple of days to several weeks to become apparent.
Although fungal infections are not the usual cause, they can threaten vision when they occur.
Contact an eye doctor promptly if you experience any of these symptoms.
Unfortunately, medications don’t always work.
In fact, they may fail 15%36% of the time.
If this happens, surgery may be needed.
In such cases, a corneal transplant may be called for.
Prevention
Because fungal eye infections can become serious, avoid them as much as possible.
But fungi can also be found inside the home and may even come from elsewhere within the human body.
Symptoms include pain, redness, excessive tearing, blurriness, and eye discharge.
If you have a fungal eye infection, your eye doctor will prescribe drops to try and treat it.
However, this is not always effective, and in some cases, surgery may be needed.
This may involve a corneal transplant, and in severe, nonresponsive cases, eye removal may become necessary.
The sooner it is effectively treated, the better.
Fungal infections often can be cured, but the risk they pose should not be underestimated.
Frequently Asked Questions
No.
They are not spread from person to person the way many infections are.
It depends on the infection.
But in severe cases treatment could be needed for months.
Even then, it might not work and surgery may become necessary.
A fungal eye infection is not something that you want to leave to clear up on its own.
These infections can be severe and threaten your vision.
It’s important to seek treatment for any suspected fungal eye infection right away.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About fungal eye infections.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Fungal eye infection risk & prevention.
American Academy of Ophthalmology.What is fungal keratitis.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Symptoms of fungal eye infections.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Diagnosis and testing for fungal eye infections.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Treatment for fungal eye infections.
Review of Ophthalmology.Meeting the challenge of fungal keratitis.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Fungal eye infections.
