Yeast Infection of the Eye - Types, Treatment and Prevention

Introduction:

Many organisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, can cause eye infections. The yeast infection of the eye is rare but can be serious. Different types of fungus cause eye infections. The fungal infection of the eye can be due to eye injury or wearing a contact lens. Infection or inflammation of the cornea is known as keratitis. Different types of eye infections include pink eye (inflammation and infection of the inner eyelid and the eyeball), keratitis (inflammation of the cornea), stye (painful red bump on the eyelid), and fungal eye infection.

Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis settle down independently and do not need any treatment. If the fungal eye infections are left untreated, they may lead to vision loss and, in some cases, cannot restore normal eyesight. Fusarium, Aspergillus, or Candida is a fungus that can infect the cornea. Fungal keratitis has been reported in tropical and subtropical areas in different parts of the world. Males are more affected than females, and 65 percent of the people are in the age group 15 to 50. Ocular factors like ocular surgery and systemic factors like diabetes are believed to be significant risk factors.

What Are the Types of Fungal Eye Infections?

Fungal infections can affect different segments of the eye. It includes.

• Keratitis: This is the inflammation of the front layer of the eye, and the area is known as the cornea. The infection affects the deeper layer of the cornea and leads to scar formation, which may affect vision.

• Endophthalmitis: This is the inflammation of the inside of the eye. The infection affects the gel behind the eye, known as vitreous, or the fluid between the cornea and lens, known as aqueous humor. The two types of endophthalmitis are exogenous and endogenous. Exogenous occurs when the fungal spores enter from an external source and get into the eyes. Endogenous occurs when the fungal spores come from the bloodstream and may enter one or both eyes.

• Uveitis: This is the inflammation of the middle layer of the eye, known as the uvea.

What Are the Causes of Yeast Infection of the Eye?

Several types of fungi cause eye infections. The fungi Fusarium, Aspergillus, and Candida cause eye infections. Fusarium is the most common fungus in the soil, water, and plants. Aspergillus is found in indoor and outdoor environments. Candida is a fungus that lives on human skin and the lining inside the body that provides protection called a mucous membrane.

• Injury to the cornea infected with fungus.

• Individuals with a low immune system.

• A person using contact lenses.

What Are the Risk Factors for Fungal Infections of the Eye?

The risk factors for fungal eye infections include eye injury with thorn and stick, eye surgery, chronic eye disease, contaminated products coming in contact with the eye, fungal infections in the blood, compromised immune system, diabetes, organ transplant patients, cancer, and people who take corticosteroids are at high risk.

What Are the Symptoms of Yeast Infection of the Eye?

The fungal infection can develop even after a minor injury to the eye, like an eye injury with a fingernail or accidental injury by debris flying into the eye. The symptoms can resolve within a few days to weeks. The symptoms include.

• Pain or discomfort in the eyes.

• Red, dry, itchy, or watery eyes.

• Swelling around the eyes.

• Burning in the eyes.

• Blurred vision.

• Eye inflammation.

• Discharge from the eyes.

• The eyes hurt when it's bright (light sensitivity).

• The eyelid is tender on touching.

• Extensive tearing of the eyes.

How Can Yeast Infections of the Eye Be Diagnosed?

Several investigation tests are used to diagnose yeast infection of the eye. The investigation includes.

• Culturing the Specimen: The doctor will examine the eye and may take the sample from the affected and send it to the laboratory for a culture test. This test helps in identifying the fungal infection. It is a standard diagnostic method.

• Examining Under a Microscope: The doctor will take a sample of the tissues or fluid from the affected area and view it under the microscope to identify the fungus.

• Polymerase Chain Reaction: The fastest diagnostic method to identify the fungal eye infection. The test is used to identify the genetic material of an infection.

How Can Yeast Infection of the Eye Be Managed?

• The treatment of fungal eye infections depends upon the fungus type, parts of the eye affected, and severity of the infection.

• The desirable methods of medications for fungal eye infections include antifungal eye drops, antifungal drugs in the form of a tablet or intravenously injected, or the injection injected directly into the eye, and eye surgery. With treatment, the symptoms resolve within a few weeks to months.

• Natamycin is the tropical antifungal medication prescribed to treat infections at the eye's outer layer caused by the fungus Aspergillus and Fusarium.

• The infections in the deeper eye layer may need oral medication, directly injected, or given intravenously (into the vein). The antifungal medications include Amphotericin B, Fluconazole, and Voriconazole.

• The doctor may prescribe surgery if the fungal infections are deeper or the patient is not recovering even after the antifungal medications, including corneal transplant and vitrectomy (in which the gel of an eye is removed) or enucleation (removal of an eye).

• Home treatments include saltwater (act as saline), placing cooled tea bags on eyes, warm compresses in case of infection or irritation, cold compresses to relieve discomfort and swelling, and discarding eye makeup.

How Can Yeast Infection of the Eye Be Prevented?

Fungal eye infections can become serious, so people can adopt preventive measures. The preventive measures include.

• People who work on farms should always use protective eyewear to protect their eyes from injury.

• People using contact lenses should take proper care of the lenses to prevent infection.

• The surgeon will prescribe preventive drops to prevent the infection in case of cataract surgery.

• Disposal of outdated eye products.

• Bloodstream fungal infections are to be treated early.

Conclusion:

Fungal eye infections are rare and serious eye conditions. It can come from anywhere within the body, at home, or outside sources. The doctor may prescribe eye drops to treat it. The treatment is not always effective, and surgery may be prescribed. The healthcare team, including doctors, nurses, and pharmacists, can educate people about fungal eye infections and prevention. The healthcare team can work together to achieve better outcomes.