Fungal keratitis treatment in Kalyan- Isha Netralaya

Fungal Keratitis

Understanding About Fungal Keratitis

Fungal Keratitis is an eye infection that affects the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye. It is caused by fungi, and it can lead to pain, inflammation, and vision problems if not treated promptly. This type of keratitis is more common in warm, humid environments and is often associated with trauma to the eye, particularly when caused by organic material like plant matter (e.g., thorns or branches).

Types of Fungal Keratitis:

Fusarium Keratitis:

Caused by Fusarium fungi, commonly found in soil and plants. It often occurs after eye injuries involving plant material, like a thorn. It is a fast-progressing infection that can cause severe corneal damage if untreated.

Aspergillus Keratitis:

Caused by Aspergillus fungi, which are present in soil, air, and decaying matter. It’s commonly linked to eye trauma in agricultural settings or immune-compromised individuals and can lead to severe corneal ulcers.

Candida Keratitis:

Caused by Candida fungi, which normally exist on human skin and inside the body. It typically affects people with weakened immune systems or those who use steroid eye drops, and it progresses more slowly than other fungal infections.

Curvularia Keratitis

Caused by Curvularia fungi found in soil and plant debris. It is often associated with eye injuries from plant material and contact lens misuse. This type can cause corneal ulcers if not promptly treated.

Alternaria Keratitis

Caused by Alternaria fungi, a mold found in the environment. It’s less common but can occur after eye trauma or surgeries, especially in people who wear contact lenses. It can lead to serious infection if untreated.

Symptoms:

Eye Pain:

Persistent and often severe pain in the infected eye.

Redness:

Significant redness in and around the affected eye.

Blurred Vision:

Decreased clarity of vision due to the corneal infection.

Tearing or Discharge:

Excessive tearing or discharge from the eye.

Sensitivity to Light (Photophobia):

Increased discomfort when exposed to light.

Treatment:

Antifungal Eye Drops:

The primary treatment involves antifungal eye drops, such as natamycin, amphotericin B, or voriconazole, depending on the type of fungus causing the infection.

Oral Antifungal Medications:

In more severe cases, oral antifungal medications like fluconazole or itraconazole may be prescribed alongside eye drops.

Surgical Intervention:

In severe or treatment-resistant cases, surgery such as a corneal transplant (keratoplasty) may be necessary to remove the infected corneal tissue and restore vision.

Steroid Eye Drops:

While antifungal treatment is the focus, in some cases, steroid eye drops may be used with caution to reduce inflammation, but only after the fungal infection is under control.

Precautions:

Proper Contact Lens Hygiene:

Always clean contact lenses properly using the recommended solutions, and avoid wearing them overnight or in water (e.g., swimming).

Protective Eyewear:

Wear protective eyewear when working with plant material or in dusty, high-risk environments to avoid eye injury.

Seek Prompt Treatment:

If you experience eye trauma or have symptoms of keratitis, seek medical attention immediately to prevent complications.

Avoid Unnecessary Use of Steroid Drops:

Use corticosteroid eye drops only as prescribed by a doctor, and avoid prolonged use without medical supervision.

Maintain General Eye Health:

Regular eye check-ups can help detect problems early, especially if you are at higher risk due to underlying conditions.

Before Surgery

Before undergoing surgery for fungal keratitis, your eye doctor will conduct a detailed eye examination to confirm the diagnosis and identify the type of fungus causing the infection. A corneal scraping may be taken for lab analysis to guide the choice of antifungal treatment. Initially, the doctor will prescribe antifungal eye drops or oral medications to try to reduce the infection, and surgery is considered only if these treatments prove ineffective or if the infection has severely damaged the cornea. Prior to surgery, your doctor may instruct you to discontinue certain medications, such as blood thinners, to minimize surgical risks. It’s important to follow these pre-surgery guidelines carefully and arrange for someone to accompany you on the day of the procedure, as you will not be able to drive afterward.

During Surgery

The surgery for fungal keratitis typically involves a corneal transplant (also known as penetrating keratoplasty). The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, meaning your eye will be numbed with drops or injections, but you will remain awake. In more complex cases, general anesthesia may be used to put you to sleep during the surgery. The surgeon will remove the infected portion of your cornea and replace it with healthy donor tissue. In some instances, if the infection is confined to the outer layers of the cornea, only those layers may be replaced in a procedure known as lamellar keratoplasty. The entire surgery usually lasts between one to two hours, depending on the severity of the infection and the type of transplant required.

After Surgery

Following the surgery, your eye will be protected with a bandage or shield, and you will be prescribed antibiotic and antifungal eye drops to prevent infection and aid in healing. You may experience blurred vision initially, which can take several weeks to improve as the eye adjusts to the new corneal tissue. During the recovery period, it is crucial to avoid rubbing your eye, swimming, or engaging in strenuous physical activities, as these can interfere with healing or lead to complications. Regular follow-up visits with your doctor will be necessary to monitor the healing process and ensure that your body does not reject the donor tissue. Full recovery may take several months, and in some cases, additional treatments or corrective procedures may be needed to optimize vision.

Tags :