What is fungal keratitis (keratomycosis)? This is an inflammatory process that develops in the cornea of the eye due to the negative effects of fungi - parasites. Spreading in the ocular structure, such an infection can provoke changes that will be irreversible. If you do not seek medical help in a timely manner, fungal keratitis can cause visual impairment, and in severe cases, blindness.
Risk group
The risk group includes people who have weak immunity, as well as patients who have recently taken antibiotics. Still exposed to this disease are those who live in villages, towns, and enjoy gardening.
This disease can manifest itself at any age. However, infants are very rarely affected by fungal keratitis.
Forms and stages of the disease
The form of pathology directly depends on the degree of inflammation of the eye. Fungal keratitis (photo presented in the article) is divided into superficial and deep.
The superficial affects only the upper layers of the cornea of the eye and leaves no visible traces after itself. The inflammatory process with deep keratitis extends to the inner layers of the cornea, which leads to the formation of scars, which subsequently reduce visual acuity.
Causes of occurrence
Fungal keratitis - what is it, everyone who is at risk should know. About 70 species of fungi can provoke its development. Their place of residence is rotting foods, plants and soil. The causative agents of keratomycosis are mold, yeast-like and yeast fungi, actinomycetes.
These microorganisms are a normal component of the microflora of any organism, however, keratitis can result in their pathogenic reproduction in the eye tissues due to the following reasons:
- the visual organ was injured by a dirty object, ears, grass, branches;
- an extraneous body penetrated the eye;
- contact lenses were used incorrectly (used at the end of the expiration date, the solution was contaminated);
- surgical intervention;
- herpes inflammation;
- conjunctivitis;
- AIDS or HIV, they can also cause illness.
Signs and symptoms of fungal keratitis
Pathology develops rather slowly. In some cases, it may be asymptomatic. At first, it may seem that there is a foreign object in the eye, and only after a large amount of time will the first symptoms of the disease appear, which have a pronounced color.
Symptoms of fungal keratitis include:
- painful sensations that can occur occasionally or constantly;
- increased lacrimation;
- redness of the eyes;
- photophobia;
- in the organs of vision, burning and pain are felt;
- blurred eyes;
- suppuration;
- the occurrence of a spasm that prevents open eyes.
Symptoms may occur within a few days or weeks. If at least one of the signs has appeared, it is necessary to get an consultation with an ophthalmologist as soon as possible.
In the event that diagnosis and treatment were delayed, an eyesight may appear on the eye, which leads to complete loss of vision due to fungal keratitis. Nails (pictured below) are also affected by a fungal infection. Non-compliance with hygiene can lead to this disease.
Diagnostics
Despite the fact that keratomycosis has vivid symptoms, it is sometimes very difficult to diagnose it. This ailment is very often confused with other types of ophthalmic disease, which can greatly complicate the correct diagnosis.
There are cases when fungal keratitis is accompanied by bacterial keratitis, which, in turn, is in the necrotic stage, and harmful bacteria can multiply very quickly in those tissues where the oxidation processes are mild.
During the examination, the ophthalmologist may reveal grayish patches on the surface of the cornea. Elevated edges are also characteristic of fungal keratitis. Over time, lesions increase. The consequence of this will be necrotic processes that begin to occur in the cornea of the eye. The same reaction can be observed with an erroneous diagnosis and if corticosteroid agents are used.
To determine the pathogen and its sensitivity to certain drugs, the optometrist will need to take a scraping from the site where the fungus develops.
Treatment
The treatment will be long and complex. Usually it consists of medicines prescribed by a doctor and traditional medicine.
In the absence of the desired effect of the drugs used, with the threat of perforation of the cornea, surgery may be required.
Drug therapy
To treat fungal keratitis, Nystatin is often prescribed. This antifungal agent is available in the form of ointments or drops. It is introduced into the conjunctiva only in some cases. Your doctor may also prescribe Amphotericin drops or sulfa drugs.
ethnoscience
Traditional medicine involves the use of tools that will be prepared at home with the help of medicinal plants:
- Decoction of clover. To prepare the broth, take 25 g of flowers and pour a glass of water. Then it is boiled over low heat for 45 minutes. The fluids are allowed to cool to room temperature, then they are filtered, a piece of cotton cloth is moistened in it, and the resulting compress is applied to the sore eye for 30 minutes. This procedure should be repeated 2 times a day in the morning and before bedtime. The course of treatment is 2 weeks.
- Euphorbia erect is also an effective treatment for keratomycosis. I also use it to prepare a decoction, which is then used for washing, applying compresses and lotions, as well as for ingestion. You can also make eye drops from this herb: 1 teaspoon of the raw material is poured with two glasses of water, the broth is boiled over low heat for several minutes, and then removed for 3 hours in a dark place. This infusion is instilled into the eyes at night by a pair of drops in each eye. It should be stored in the refrigerator in a container that does not transmit light. In order to make a compress or a solution for washing the eyes, you should take one tablespoon of eyebright and pour water (1.5 liters). The broth is put on fire, brought to a boil, and then removed for 2 hours in a dark place. Eyes are washed with warm broth or a compress is made (must be left in the eyes for 25 minutes). To achieve the best effect, it is necessary to use complex therapy;
- A decoction of calendula. To prepare such a tool, 10 g of calendula is taken, poured with boiling water, after which the solution is put on fire and boiled for five minutes. The drink is infused for 3 hours, then it is filtered and used to wash the eyes twice a day;
- Pharmaceutical camomile. A means for washing the eyes and lotions is prepared from it: 2 tablespoons of the flowers are poured with boiling water (half a liter will be enough). The broth is infused for 2 hours, then the cotton pads are moistened in the finished product and applied to the sore eye for 30 minutes 2 times a day;
- Honey is used as an adjuvant. It is added to boiled, not cold water (10 ml). The resulting product is instilled into the eyes in the morning and before bedtime, 2 drops are enough. The first procedures may be accompanied by a slight burning sensation. This tool is also well suited for rubbing sore eyes (2 times a day).
Prevention
Preventive measures are simple, everyone can perform them, in order to avoid the occurrence of fungal keratitis. These include:
- hygiene of the visual organs. Do not allow dirt to get into your eyes;
- with the slightest symptoms that indicate a pathology of the organs of vision, it is necessary to seek help from a specialist as soon as possible;
- nutrition should be balanced;
- you should follow the regimen, engage in physical training to strengthen the immune system.
Do not self-medicate, so as not to aggravate the condition. Moreover, it is impossible to independently establish a diagnosis with the development of fungal keratitis.