Keratomycosis

Keratomycosis
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Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Eye pain, redness, blurred vision, tearing, discharge
Complications	Corneal scarring, vision loss
Onset
Duration
Types	N/A
Causes	Fungal infection of the cornea
Risks	Contact lens use, eye trauma, immunosuppression
Diagnosis	Clinical examination, corneal scraping and culture
Differential diagnosis	N/A
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Antifungal medications, possible surgical intervention
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Variable, depending on severity and treatment
Frequency	N/A
Deaths	N/A

Keratomycosis, also known as fungal keratitis, is an ophthalmic condition characterized by a fungal infection of the cornea. This condition can lead to significant vision impairment if not diagnosed and treated promptly.

Etiology

Keratomycosis is primarily caused by fungi, with the most common pathogens being Fusarium, Aspergillus, and Candida species. The infection typically occurs following trauma to the eye, especially with organic material such as plant matter, or in individuals who wear contact lenses.

Pathophysiology

The cornea is the transparent front part of the eye that covers the iris, pupil, and anterior chamber. It serves as a barrier against infections. When the corneal epithelium is compromised, fungi can invade and proliferate, leading to inflammation and tissue damage. The immune response to the infection can further exacerbate corneal damage, resulting in scarring and potential vision loss.

Clinical Presentation

Patients with keratomycosis typically present with:

• Eye pain
• Redness
• Blurred vision
• Tearing
• Discharge
• Photophobia (sensitivity to light)

The cornea may appear cloudy or have a white or grayish infiltrate.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of keratomycosis involves a thorough clinical examination by an ophthalmologist. Key diagnostic procedures include:

• Slit-lamp examination to assess the corneal lesion.
• Corneal scraping to obtain samples for microscopy and culture.
• Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing for fungal DNA.

Treatment

Treatment of keratomycosis requires prompt initiation of antifungal therapy. Common antifungal agents used include:

• Natamycin
• Voriconazole
• Amphotericin B

In severe cases, surgical intervention such as corneal debridement or keratoplasty (corneal transplant) may be necessary.

Prognosis

The prognosis for keratomycosis varies depending on the severity of the infection and the timeliness of treatment. Early diagnosis and appropriate antifungal therapy can lead to good outcomes, while delayed treatment may result in corneal scarring and permanent vision loss.

Prevention

Preventive measures include:

• Proper hygiene and care of contact lenses.
• Avoiding eye trauma, especially with organic materials.
• Prompt treatment of any eye injuries.

Also see

• Keratitis
• Corneal ulcer
• Ophthalmology
• Fungal infections

External

• Age-Related Macular Degeneration

• Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)

• Anophthalmia and Microphthalmia

• Astigmatism

B

• Behçet's Disease* Bietti's Crystalline Dystrophy

• Blepharitis* Blepharospasm

C

• Cataracts

• Coloboma

• Color Blindness

• Corneal Conditions

D

• Diabetic Retinopathy

• Dry Eye

F

• Floaters

G

• Glaucoma

I

• Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension

L

• Low Vision

M

• Macular Edema

• Macular Hole

• Macular Pucker

P

• Pink Eye

R

• Rare Diseases

• Refractive Errors

• Retinal Detachment

• Retinitis Pigmentosa

• Retinoblastoma

• Retinopathy of Prematurity

S

• Stargardt Disease

U

• Usher Syndrome

• Uveitis

V

• Vitreous Detachment