Fungal eye infections may be uncommon, but they pose serious risks if ignored. These infections can arise from small eye injuries, contact with contaminated water, or improper lens care. Recognizing symptoms early, exploring effective treatments, and taking preventive steps can help safeguard vision and support a quicker recovery.
How Is Fungal Infection Acquired?
Fungal eye infections occur when fungi enter the eye through injuries, contaminated surfaces, or bloodstream infections. Several factors increase the risk of developing an eye fungus infection.
Eye Injuries and Trauma
A fungal infection of the eye can develop after an injury, especially one involving plant material. Twigs, leaves, or dirt may introduce fungi like Fusarium into the cornea, leading to fungal keratitis. Even minor scratches, such as those from a fingernail, can create an entry point for infection.
Contact Lens Use
Improper contact lens hygiene is a major risk factor. Fungi can grow on lenses that are not cleaned properly, increasing the chance of infection. Wearing contact lenses while swimming or showering can also introduce harmful fungi into the eye.
Contaminated Eye Products
Eye drops, makeup, and other eye care products may become contaminated with fungi if stored improperly. Using expired or unsterilized products increases the risk of infection.
Surgical Complications
Eye surgeries, including cataract removal, can sometimes lead to fungal infections. Contaminated surgical instruments or poor post-surgery care may introduce fungi into the eye. Eye doctors often provide preventive drops, but it’s crucial to report any unexpected symptoms as soon as they appear.
Bloodstream Infections
Some fungal infections start elsewhere in the body and spread to the eyes. Endogenous endophthalmitis can develop when fungi, such as Candida, enter the bloodstream and travel to the eye. People with weakened immune systems, diabetes, or long-term corticosteroid use have a higher risk of this condition.
Recognizing Fungal Eye Symptoms
Fungal eye infections may take days or weeks to develop, making early detection essential. Symptoms may vary from slight irritation to significant vision loss, depending on the severity of the infection.
Common Symptoms of Eye Fungus
- Eye pain, often sudden and severe
- Blurred or reduced vision
- Increased light sensitivity
- Excessive tearing or discharge
- Eye redness and inflammation
Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek medical care immediately. Delayed treatment increases the risk of complications, including permanent vision loss.
Types of Fungal Eye Infections
Fungal infections can target various areas of the eye, and treatment varies based on the infection’s location and severity.
Fungal Keratitis
It is a corneal infection that often develops after an eye injury, particularly one involving plant material. Contact lens users face a higher risk if lenses are not properly cleaned. Superficial keratitis impacts the outer corneal layers and usually heals without scarring, while deep keratitis can leave scars that may impair vision. Early treatment is crucial to avoid serious complications.
Endophthalmitis
Endophthalmitis is a more severe fungal infection affecting the eye’s interior. It can result from eye surgery, trauma, or bloodstream infections.
This condition is classified into two types:
Exogenous endophthalmitis
Fungi can invade the eye through external sources, including injuries that introduce fungal spores into the delicate eye tissues.
Endogenous endophthalmitis
The infection spreads from the bloodstream to the eye, often due to candidemia.
Endophthalmitis requires urgent medical intervention, as it can rapidly lead to vision loss.
What Happens If Fungal Infection Is Not Treated?
Ignoring or postponing treatment for a fungal eye infection can have severe consequences, as the fungi may penetrate deeper and cause permanent damage.
Vision Loss and Blindness
Fungal keratitis and endophthalmitis can both cause permanent vision impairment. Scarring on the cornea may blur vision, while deeper infections can destroy eye tissues. In severe cases, untreated infections lead to complete blindness.
Chronic Pain and Discomfort
Without treatment, fungal infections cause ongoing pain, redness, and sensitivity to light. These symptoms can interfere with daily activities, making it difficult to read, drive, or work.
Corneal Perforation
Advanced fungal keratitis can weaken the cornea, eventually causing it to perforate. This results in a severe eye injury that may require emergency surgery or even eye removal.
Spread of Infection
A fungal infection of the eye can spread to other parts of the body, especially in people with weakened immune systems. Endophthalmitis may develop from a bloodstream infection, leading to life-threatening complications.
Need for Eye Removal (Enucleation)
If a fungal infection becomes uncontrollable and threatens overall health, doctors may recommend enucleation or surgical removal of the eye. This is a last-resort procedure when vision cannot be saved.
Fungal Eye Infection Treatment Options
Effective treatment for fungal infections of the eye depends on the type of fungus, its severity, and how deep the infection has spread. Eye fungus treatment often includes antifungal medications, but in severe cases, surgery may be required.
Antifungal Medications
Doctors may prescribe antifungal eye drops, oral medications, or injections depending on the severity of the infection.
- Natamycin eye drops – Often prescribed for superficial fungal keratitis, effective against Aspergillus and Fusarium.
- Amphotericin B – Used for more severe infections, sometimes administered through injection.
- Voriconazole and fluconazole – Oral or intravenous antifungal medications for deeper infections.
Some persistent infections require multiple treatments. Following the doctor’s instructions closely is essential for complete recovery and preventing complications.
Surgical Treatments
When medications fail, surgery may be necessary to prevent permanent vision loss.
Corneal transplant – A damaged cornea may be replaced with a healthy donor cornea.
- Vitrectomy – The vitreous gel inside the eye is removed to eliminate infection.
- Enucleation – In extreme cases, the entire eye may need removal if the infection is uncontrollable.
Surgery is a last resort when other treatments do not work. Prompt medical attention reduces the likelihood of invasive procedures.
Preventing Fungal Eye Infections
Preventing fungal eye infections is the most effective way to avoid serious complications. Maintaining good eye care and hygiene greatly reduces the risk.
- Protecting Your Eyes from Infection
- Wear protective eyewear when working outdoors or in high-risk environments.
- Clean and disinfect contact lenses properly. Avoid wearing them while swimming or showering.
- Use prescribed eye drops after surgery and report any unusual symptoms.
- Discard contaminated or expired eye products to prevent infections.
People with weakened immune systems should take extra precautions since they are more vulnerable to infections.
Act Fast, Protect Your Vision
Fungal eye infections can worsen quickly, causing significant vision loss if not treated. Early detection through check-ups and prompt medical care improves recovery chances. Treatment may involve antifungal medications or, in severe cases, surgery. Maintaining proper eye hygiene and taking preventive steps help lower infection risks. Safeguarding eye health today supports clear vision in the future.