What is fungal keratitis (keratomycosis)? This is an inflammatory process that develops in the cornea of \u200b\u200bthe eye due to the negative effects of fungi - parasites. Spreading in the eye structure, such an infection can provoke changes that will be irreversible. Fungal keratitis can cause visual impairment and, in severe cases, blindness if not promptly sought medical attention.
Risk group
The risk group includes people with weak immunity, as well as patients who have relatively recently taken a course of antibiotics. Still susceptible to this disease are those who live in villages, towns, and are fond of gardening.
This disease can appear at any age. However, it is very rare for infants to develop 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.
Surface affects only the upper layers of the cornea of the eye and leaves no visible traces behind. Inflammatory process with deep keratitisextends to the inner layers of the cornea, resulting in the formation of scars, which subsequently reduce visual acuity.
Causes of occurrence
Fungal keratitis - what it is, everyone who is at risk should know. About 70 types of fungi can provoke its development. Their place of residence is rotting food, 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, their pathogenic reproduction in eye tissues can lead to the occurrence of keratitis due to the following reasons:
- the visual organ was injured by a dirty object, ears of corn, grass, branches;
- A foreign body entered the eye;
- contact lenses were used incorrectly (used after the expiration date, the solution was contaminated);
- surgery;
- inflammation caused by herpes;
- conjunctivitis;
- AIDS or HIV, they can also cause disease.
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 long time will the first symptoms of the disease appear, which have a pronounced color.
Ksigns of fungal keratitis include:
- painful sensations that may occur occasionally or constantly;
- increased lacrimation;
- red eyes;
- photophobia;
- burning and stinging felt in the organs of vision;
- clouded eyes;
- festering;
- A spasm that prevents you from opening your eyes.
Symptoms may appear within a few days or a week. If at least one of the signs appears, it is necessary to get a consultation with an ophthalmologist as soon as possible.
If the diagnosis and treatment were not carried out in time, a thorn 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. Poor hygiene can lead to this disease.
Diagnosis
Despite the fact that keratomycosis has vivid symptoms, it can sometimes be very difficult to diagnose. This ailment is 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 oxidation processes are not pronounced.
During the examination, the ophthalmologist may detect grayish areas on the surface of the cornea. Fungal keratitis is also characterized by raisedthe edges. Over time, damage increases. The consequence of this will be necrotic processes that will begin to occur in the cornea of \u200b\u200bthe eye. The same reaction can occur with a misdiagnosis and if corticosteroids are used.
To determine the pathogen and its sensitivity to certain drugs, the optometrist will need to take a scraping from the focus where the fungus develops.
Treatment
Treatment will be long and complex. It usually consists of medicines prescribed by a doctor and traditional medicine.
In the absence of the desired effect from the drugs used, with the threat of corneal perforation, surgery may be required.
Drug therapy
Nystatin is often prescribed for the treatment of fungal keratitis. This antifungal agent is available in the form of an ointment or drops. It is injected into the conjunctiva of the eye only in some cases. Also, the doctor may prescribe drops of "Amphotericin" or sulfa drugs.
Traditional medicine
Traditional medicine involves the use of products that will be prepared at home using medicinal plants:
- Decoction of sweet clover. To prepare a decoction, take 25 g of flowers and pour a glass of water. Then it is boiled over low heat for 45 minutes. Liquids are allowed to cool to room temperature, then filtered, a piece is moistened in it.cotton fabric, and the resulting compress is applied to the inflamed 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.
- Eyebright is also an effective treatment for keratomycosis. It is also used to prepare a decoction, which is then used for washing, applying compresses and lotions, as well as for ingestion. You can also prepare eye drops from this herb: 1 teaspoon of raw materials is poured into 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 in the eyes at night, a couple 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 eye wash solution, 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. The eyes are washed with a warm decoction or a compress is made (must be left in front of the eyes for 25 minutes). To achieve the best effect, it is necessary to use complex therapy;
- Decoction of calendula. To prepare such a remedy, 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;
- Chamomile pharmacy. A means for washing the eyes and lotions is prepared from it: 2 tablespoons of flowers are poured with boiling water(half a liter will be enough). The decoction is infused for 2 hours, then cotton pads are moistened in the finished product and applied to the inflamed eye for 30 minutes 2 times a day;
- Honey is used as an aid. It is added to boiled, not cold water (10 ml). The resulting product is instilled into the eyes in the morning and at bedtime, 2 drops are enough. The first procedures may be accompanied by a slight burning sensation. This remedy is also good for rubbing inflamed eyes (2 times a day).
Prevention
Preventive measures are simple and can be done by anyone to prevent fungal keratitis. These include:
- hygiene of the visual organs. Avoid getting dirt in your eyes;
- at 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;
- should follow a regimen, exercise to strengthen the immune system.
You should 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.
