Fungal Keratitis

Abstract

          Fungal keratitis is an important ophthalmic problem in tropical climate zones and agricultural countries. It causes serious damage and loss of vision. Early detection and diagnosis, including selecting the right group of anti-fungal agents, significantly increases the chance of successful outcome. The most common organisms are Fusarium spp. Frequent symptoms of disease are injected conjunctiva, eye discomfort, white spot on cornea. Typical signs are feathery margin infiltration, white ring, satellite lesions and endothelial plaque. Diagnostic test is corneal scraping for staining and cultures. Standard treatment for fungal keratitis is topical and oral antifungal agents. Penetrating keratoplasty is definitely indicated if the infection is uncontrolled by medications applied. In case of very severe infection, evisceration may be required. Prognosis is poor because of drug resistance organisms. The common complications after treatment are recurrent infection, poor vision due to scar.