A person with a fungal eye infection usually experiences blurred vision, redness, and pain. Yeast infections of the eyes can also cause sensitivity to light and watery eyes. Symptoms of a fungal eye infection are often consistent with other eye problems, such as bacterial pink eye and pink eye. Fungal eye infections often cannot be diagnosed by symptoms alone due to these similarities. A person experiencing extreme eye irritation, particularly if they wear contact lenses, should see their ophthalmologist immediately to confirm or rule out the presence of a fungal infection.
Anyone can develop a fungal eye infection, but people who wear contact lenses may have a higher risk of getting it than people who don't. This is because the environment inside contact lens cases containing the contact solution is often favorable for fungal growth, particularly if the lens case is not kept clean. Some research also suggests that wearing contact lenses for an extended period without daily removal and cleaning could also increase the risk of developing a fungal eye infection. People who have undergone any type of eye surgery or eye injury also tend to have a slightly higher risk of developing eye fungus than others.
An ophthalmologist may attempt to diagnose a fungal eye infection based on a person's symptoms or by scraping the surface of their cornea to obtain a sample sample. This sample is then examined in a laboratory for the presence of fungus. Once the presence of fungus in the eyes is confirmed, antifungal drops may be prescribed to treat the infection. If the patient wears contact lenses, she will generally be advised to refrain from wearing them until the infection is gone. It is extremely important that a person who suspects they may have a fungal eye infection evaluate their symptoms immediately, as untreated eye fungus can lead to vision loss.
There are some things that can be done to prevent fungal eye infections. Proper sanitation of contact lenses and the cases that hold them, as well as hand washing prior to insertion and removal of contact lenses, is recommended. Also, many people are advised to avoid touching their eyes with their hands when possible, as the germs and fungi that cause infections often start on the hands and travel to the eyes through rubbing or scratching. Regular eye exams are also recommended so that any eye problems can be caught early and treated quickly before they have a chance to become serious.