Fungal eye infections

Abstract

Mycotic keratitis is a fungal infection of the cornea that leads to severe, painful ulceration and loss of vision, and is a major cause of blindness worldwide, particularly in the developing world. Major risk factors for mycotic keratitis include ocular trauma and contact lens use. Both yeasts and moulds can cause mycotic keratitis, with the filamentous moulds of the Fusarium and Aspergillus genera the most common aetiological agents worldwide. Fungi, particularly Candida spp. yeasts, can also cause endophthalmitis—a painful, blinding infection of the posterior eye. Treatment of these infections is challenging owing to a limited arsenal of antifungal agents and highly variable susceptibility among causative fungi. Furthermore, associated inflammation contributes greatly to tissue damage and permanent blindness. Studies using experimental models of mycotic keratitis have revealed new targets for novel antifungal agents and anti-inflammatory therapies that have the potential to reduce the impact of these devastating infections.