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Published on: February 6, 2021

Fusarium endophthalmitis following keratitis associated with contact lenses

Krista D Rosenberg1, Harry W Flynn, Eduardo C Alfonso

  • 1Department of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami School of Medicine, Florida, USA.

Ophthalmic Surgery, Lasers & Imaging : the Official Journal of the International Society for Imaging in the Eye
|August 11, 2006
PubMed

Insights

An outbreak of Fusarium keratitis linked to contact lens use affected 36 patients. Two severe cases progressed to Fusarium endophthalmitis, a serious eye infection.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Mycology

Background:

  • Contact lens wear is a common risk factor for microbial keratitis.
  • Fungal keratitis, particularly Fusarium keratitis, can lead to severe visual impairment.

Observation:

  • A cluster of 36 Fusarium keratitis cases associated with contact lens wear was observed over four months.
  • This outbreak highlights a potential rise in contact lens-related fungal eye infections.

Findings:

  • Two patients developed Fusarium endophthalmitis, a severe intraocular infection, secondary to fungal keratitis.
  • Soft contact lens wear was identified as the common risk factor in these cases.

Implications:

  • Increased vigilance and public health awareness regarding contact lens hygiene are crucial.
  • Prompt diagnosis and aggressive treatment are essential to prevent vision loss from fungal keratitis and endophthalmitis.
  • Further research into the specific contact lens-related factors contributing to this outbreak is warranted.

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