by Administrator
16. May 2011 13:45
It is an inflammation of the eye’s cornea that results from an infection by a fungal organism. Keratomycosis is the fungal infection of the cornea, the interior part of the eye that covers the pupil.Infectious kertasis can be bacterial, viral or fungal. Fungal keratitis or keratomycosis refers to an infective process of the cornea caused by any of the multiple pathologic fungi capable of invading the ocular surface. It is most typically a slow, relentless disease that must be differentiated from other types of corneal conditions with similar presentation; especially its bacterial counterpart, which accounts for the majority of the microbial corneal infections. Due to this the patient experiences a remarkable difference in the viewing of the objects. It often results in the blurred vision. The eye becomes red and a persistent pain remains there. The patient suffers from an increased sensitivity to light. Moreover, a dry ulcer may also appear surrounding the cornea.
Causes
The main agents accused for the infection is found in the air are present indoors and outdoors. They are also found in soil, dust and decomposite materials of plants. It is commonly found in men having outdoor occupations and in persons who use extended wear contact lenses. Causes of Keratomycosis are divided into 4 groups:
Group 1- Moulds are the most common aetiological agents to cause Keratomycosis infection worldwide. The prevalence of disease in tropics and sub tropics is observed due to the infection of fungi Fusarium and Aspergillus.
Group 2- Hyaline moulds such as Acremonium, Paecilomyces, Penicillium, and Scedosporium species are also been reported as cause of fungal infection in the eye.
Group 3- Aetiological agents called dematiaceeous moulds from Curvularia and Bipolaris are also attributed as the cause of this fungal infection.
Group 4- Keratomycosis is also caused from C.albicans, C.guilliermondii and C.parapsilosis that are observed to cause corneal infections.
Symptoms of Keratomycosis
- Acute pain
- Ocular redness
- Photophobia
- Blurred vision
- Corneal ulcers
- Marked vision loss
- Corneal perforation
- Corneal scarring
- Anterior chamber infection
Prevention
- Prevention of trauma with vegetable/ organic matter, particularly in agricultural workers while harvesting can reduce the incidence of fungal kertasis.
- Wearing of broad protective glasses with side shields is also recommended for people prone to such risks.
- Wearing safety glasses while gardening will diminish the risk of ocular trauma.
- General hygiene, proper contact lens care and avoidance of nonessential steroid use will also diminish the probability of mycotic infection.
Killeen Eyecare Center provides consultation and treatments for various eye problems. Call us today at 254-634-7805 for further assistance.
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