Systemic candidiasis with cataract formation in a premature infant

Endogenous Candida endophthalmitis is a well-recognized complication in low-birth-weight premature infants. The incidence of systemic candidiasis in premature and low-birth-weight infants is approximately 3%. As many as half of these infants will develop Candida endophthalmitis. Eye involvement typically presents as one or more tiny white "fungal ball" chorioretinal lesions with overlying vitritis. Lens involvement is extremely rare. We report a case of cataract due to Candida albicans in a premature, low-birth-weight infant unresponsive to systemic and intracameral antifungal therapy and requiring lensectomy with vitrectomy.