Ocular histoplasmosis

Ocular Histoplasmosis

Ocular histoplasmosis is a infectious eye disease caused by the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum. This condition is a leading cause of vision loss in the United States, particularly in the Midwest where the fungus is most commonly found in the soil.

Etiology

Ocular histoplasmosis is not directly transmitted from person to person. Instead, it is contracted when individuals inhale airborne fungal spores from the environment. The fungus Histoplasma capsulatum is commonly found in bird and bat droppings, particularly in soil that is rich in these droppings.

Symptoms

The symptoms of ocular histoplasmosis can vary greatly from person to person. Some individuals may not experience any symptoms at all, while others may experience severe vision loss. Common symptoms include blurred vision, floaters, and blind spots in the peripheral vision.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of ocular histoplasmosis typically involves a comprehensive eye examination, including a dilated eye exam. Additional tests, such as fluorescein angiography and optical coherence tomography, may also be used to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment for ocular histoplasmosis typically involves the use of laser photocoagulation to seal off leaking blood vessels in the eye. In some cases, anti-VEGF drugs may be used to slow the growth of new blood vessels.

Prognosis

With early detection and treatment, the prognosis for individuals with ocular histoplasmosis is generally good. However, in some cases, the disease can lead to significant vision loss.

See also

• Histoplasmosis
• Choroiditis
• Retinal diseases

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