Fungal eye infections are rare. Trauma associated with contamination by vegetative material, contact lens wear and long term corticosteroid use are common risk factors. The aims of treatment are to preserve visual function, which depends on the rapid diagnosis and efficient administration of appropriate antifungal therapy. This necessitates a clinical suspicion of fungal aetiology and the taking of appropriate smears and cultures as early as possible to identify the fungal organism. Currently there are three main classes of drugs available for use in fungal eye infections: polyenes, azoles as derivatives of imidazoles, and 5-fluorocytosine. Of the polyenes, amphotericin B, natamycin and nystatin are of clinical ophthalmic use. Based on better pharmacokinetic profiles and spectra of antifungal activity, the triazoles are the agents of choice.
Though most people probably won't come down with the condition, it's always a good idea to take good care of your eyes and contact lenses to avoid problems such as bacterial infections, which are much more common than fungal infections. Here are some guidelines:
Advice on wearing contact lenses:
- Wear your contact lenses as prescribed. Don't wear them longer than recommended.
- Never wear anyone else's contact lenses.
- Contact lenses may make your eyes more sensitive to sunlight, so wear sunglasses with total UV protection and/or a wide-brimmed hat while in the sun.
- Insert your contact lenses before applying makeup to avoid contaminating your lenses.
- Use a rewetting solution or plain saline solution to keep your eyes lubricated.
- Don't sleep with your lenses in, unless you have "extended wear" contacts.
