Fungal keratitis associated with ocular rosacea

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Vandana Jain1, Debraj Shome, Manoj Sajnani

  • 1Department of Cornea and External Diseases, Aditya Jyot Eye Hospital Pvt. Ltd., Plot No-153, Road No-9, Major Parmeshwaran Road, Wadala, Mumbai, 400031, India. docvandanajain@rediffmail.com

International Ophthalmology
|May 26, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Fungal keratitis can occur in patients with ocular rosacea, a condition often treated with topical steroids. Early microbiological evaluation is crucial to prevent worsening of corneal infections.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Mycology

Background:

  • Ocular rosacea is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the ocular surface.
  • Topical steroid use is common in managing ocular rosacea symptoms.

Observation:

  • A retrospective review identified three cases of fungal keratitis coexisting with ocular rosacea.
  • None of the patients had a history of contact lens wear, ocular surgery, or trauma.

Findings:

  • Aspergillus flavus was identified in two cases, and an unidentified hyaline fungus in the third.
  • All patients received combined therapy for fungal keratitis and ocular rosacea.
  • Complete resolution of corneal infiltrates and ocular surface stabilization were achieved in all cases.

Implications:

  • The ocular surface environment in ocular rosacea, potentially exacerbated by topical steroids, may predispose to fungal keratitis.
  • Microbiological evaluation is recommended before initiating topical steroids for suspected sterile keratitis to rule out fungal infections.

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