Abstract

FUNGAL KERATITIS OF EYE: AN OVERVIEW

Bhusal Sonika S*, Gondkar Sheetal B, Saudagar Ravindra B

ABSTRACT

Corneal disease is the second most important cause for the blindness. Among them Fungal Keratitis is very difficult to treat. Fungal Keratitis is a general term which has meaning that any inflammation of the cornea. Fungi can infect (and therefore inflame) the cornea. Aspergillus and Fusarium are the most common species that can lead to the fungal keratitis. Different types of corneal diseases are discussed in this review such Keratitis, Keratoconjunctivitis, Kerato-uveitis. Certain conditions like trauma to the eye and therapy with antibiotics and corticosteroids renders the eye susceptible to infection with various fungi especially in tropical parts of world. A good knowledge about the structure of eye is necessary for the research. Therefore, a brief on anatomy of eye and pathophysiology of fungal keratitis have been included. This article throws light on the common risk factors for the development of fungal keratitis and various symptoms of fungal keratitis. Also, methods for the diagnosis of fungal keratitis have been discussed. An attempt has been made to give details on the treatment for the fungal keratitis.

Keywords: Fungal keratitis, Cornea, Aspergillus, Antifungal agents.