Fungal infections of the eye cause significant damage to ocular structures and result in vision loss. Both yeasts and moulds can cause infection of the ocular structures. Management involves antifungals and surgical procedures. Infection of the cornea and the intraocular structures by fungal agents is called as oculomycosis. In India, it is a leading cause of preventable blindness due to infective etiology. The tropical climate with high humidity creates a favourable environment for a variety of fungal species to grow.
Increased incidence is noted during the harvest season due to agricultural activity. The infecting agents vary according to the type of infection and predisposing factors. They may be primary pathogens or opportunistic in nature. Risk factors Trauma with vegetative matter seeds the eye with fungal spores and is the leading cause. Prolonged use of topical corticosteroids.…
