Fungal conjunctivitis is a disease that is associated with eye damage. It is characterized by chronic and acute inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is provoked by the vital activity of fungi. It should be noted that the symptoms, treatment methods and the course of the disease will depend on the type of microorganism.
Description of the problem
Fungal conjunctivitis occurs due to a large number of pathogenic microorganisms. They, being on the eyelids, in the lacrimal passages, as well as on the mucous membranes, cause infection.
It is diagnosed in both adults and children alike. However, at a higher risk group are just the little guys. This is due to the fact that they have poor personal hygiene and can easily cause infection.
Classification
There are several different forms of this disease. There is catarrhal, purulent, with a film or infiltrate, with keratoconjunctivitis. Often, against the background of the development of this disease, keratitis, blepharitis appear.
If classified according to the clinical form of manifestation, exudative and granulomatous are distinguished.
Symptoms
Conjunctivitis of the eye develops due to reduced immunity, as well as when taking antibiotics and steroids. In the normal state, the disease lasts no more than 10 days. It should be noted that fungal conjunctivitis sometimes provokes a number of changes in the body.
Tearing, redness, and burning in the eye may occur. Often, the mucous membrane turns red, ulcers, pus and yellow membranes appear. Often a concomitant disease is purulent lymphadenitis. If the disease is not quickly cured, an inversion of the eyelids may begin. If complications arise, canaliculitis often develops.
Causes
Each person has fungi on the mucous membranes and on the skin. Thanks to the immune system, they do not develop and do not increase in quantity. However, when problems with immunity begin, fungi immediately begin to develop. Also provoking factors are burns, eye injuries, wearing contact lenses, diseases, diabetes, and taking antibiotics.
Fungal conjunctivitis is transmitted from the patient to healthy through various accessories. Most often, this problem occurs in people who have AIDS.
Diagnose a problem
Diagnosis of the disease occurs at a consultation with an ophthalmologist. A scraping is done, which is subsequently checked for the presence of fungi and their habitat. Sometimes a visit to a dermatologist is required.
Treatment
Treatment of fungal conjunctivitis is carried out with the use of fungicidal and similar drugs, and also use drugs that reduce the manifestation of discomfort. What drugs will be used in therapy depends entirely on the results obtained during diagnosis.
Often use a solution of natamycin. Nystatin-based ointment should be applied to the eyelids at night.
If the disease has a severe course, then the best solution is to use Itraconazole inside. Dosage - 150 mg per day. Sometimes a doctor may prescribe "Fluconazole" at 50 mg per day (course - 10 days).
To suppress all symptoms, the treatment of fungal conjunctivitis is carried out using the drip of amphotericin B. It allows to achieve the most effective result.
Antibacterial drops
Drops against bacteria are often used during treatment. They do not affect the state of the circulatory system. Thanks to the drops, the entire microflora of the body can be kept normal.
An excellent remedy would be Albucid. This drug inhibits the growth of bacteria, including various fungi, gonococci, etc. It is sold with a 20-30 percent concentration. These drops should be used no more than six times a day. Bury about 3 drops. Of the disadvantages, it should be noted burning during use.
Tobrex eye drops are also a good remedy that can cope with a large number of symptoms. Fungal conjunctivitis is most often treated with this particular drug. If the disease is in an acute stage, then drops should be used every four hours. Of the disadvantages of the drug, it should be noted a possible allergy to it in the form of swelling, redness.
Eye ointments
You need to understand that any fungal inflammation involves a comprehensive treatment. It should be selected by an ophthalmologist. The use of eye ointments is often recommended. The most effective are two:
- Torbeks. This ointment will help relieve symptoms quickly. It contains tobramycin, which allows you to treat even diseases in children. This remedy is used for barley, keratitis, fungal conjunctivitis of the eye and so on. This ointment has a huge advantage, since it can be used even in childhood. Minimum age is two months.
- Tetracycline ointment is also a good remedy. When applied topically, it does not affect the circulatory system of the body. It is usually prescribed not only for fungal diseases, but also for bacterial ones. Of the shortcomings, it should be noted that it is forbidden to use this ointment for up to eight years. The advantage is that the drug is safe and can be used even during pregnancy.
Folk remedies
Lotions help well, they are quickly able to relieve inflammation. In order to make them, you need to use a solution of aloe juice and boiled water. Redness and swelling can be removed with cucumber juice. For the same purpose, the use of fresh cucumber slices also helps.
With fungal conjunctivitis, it is allowed to use decoctions of rose hips and marshmallows. They help to fight pus. "Penicillin" gives effective results in treating problems at the initial stage of development. It can be bought in powder form. It should be poured into the jar in which it is sold, water, shake and let it brew. With this solution you need to rinse your eyes. Doctors sometimes prescribe antihistamines that help with burning, itching, and swelling.
Therapy lasts at least thirty days without fail. It is necessary to achieve negative test results in order to be sure that the disease does not go into a chronic form.
Forecast
If the disease proceeds in isolation, then the prognosis is as favorable as possible. Most often, with this problem, irreversible consequences do not occur. However, sometimes serious pathologies occur, affecting the cornea, lacrimal tubules, and so on.
Complications
If you ignore the symptoms and treatment of fungal conjunctivitis, then the inflammation will spread to deep-lying organs. Due to this problem, ulcers and scars occur. Therefore, if you do not carry out treatment, you can achieve the development of blindness. With severe and prolonged treatment, an inversion of the eyelids can occur.
Summary
Photos of fungal conjunctivitis look far from attractive. The disease has severe symptoms. It can lead to serious consequences. That is why it is important to start treatment on time. This is especially true for those people who have reduced the ability of the immune system, respectively, they get sick faster and more difficult to tolerate various infections.
It is better to carry out treatment comprehensively, combining conservative methods with folk. This option will allow you to quickly get the most effective results and get rid of the problem.