Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 30, 2026

Dynamic Visual Tests to Identify and Quantify Visual Damage and Repair Following Demyelination in Optic Neuritis Patients
12:23

Dynamic Visual Tests to Identify and Quantify Visual Damage and Repair Following Demyelination in Optic Neuritis Patients

Published on: April 14, 2014

Neuro-ophthalmic manifestations of fungal disease associated with posthurricane environment

Jayanth Sridhar1, Byron L Lam, Joshua Pasol

  • 1Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Miami, FL 33136, USA.

Journal of Neuro-Ophthalmology : the Official Journal of the North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society
|July 30, 2011
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Allergic fungal sinusitis (AFS) can cause vision loss after fungal exposure, particularly in humid climates. This study suggests a link between tropical storms and severe fungal infections affecting the sinuses and orbits.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Mycology

Background:

  • Allergic fungal sinusitis (AFS) is an immune response to dematiaceous fungi.
  • These fungi thrive in hot, humid conditions.

Observation:

  • Three patients developed fungal disease after hurricane exposure.
  • Two patients had AFS with vision loss or orbital apex syndrome.
  • One patient had invasive fungal disease and orbital apex syndrome.

Findings:

  • AFS can lead to vision loss via mass effect.
  • Orbital apex syndrome is a potential complication.
  • Invasive fungal disease can also occur.

Implications:

  • Early recognition of fungal disease is crucial for sinus, orbital, and skull base issues.
  • Fungal infections may be associated with tropical storm exposure.
  • Prompt diagnosis and treatment can prevent permanent visual impairment.

More Related Videos

Corneal Sensitivity Testing Procedure for Ophthalmologic and Optometric Patients04:00

Corneal Sensitivity Testing Procedure for Ophthalmologic and Optometric Patients

Published on: August 2, 2024

Related Concept Videos

Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology01:26

Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma caused by direct viral invasion or immune-mediated mechanisms triggered by infections or tumors. Both processes lead to neuronal injury, disrupted neurotransmission, and diverse neurological symptoms, often with overlapping clinical and pathological features.Autoimmune EncephalitisIn autoimmune encephalitis, antibodies target neuronal antigens on cell surfaces, synapses, or within neurons. A key example is anti-NMDAR encephalitis, which can...
Photoreceptors and Visual Pathways01:22

Photoreceptors and Visual Pathways

At the molecular level, visual signals trigger transformations in photopigment molecules, resulting in changes in the photoreceptor cell's membrane potential. The photon's energy level is denoted by its wavelength, with each specific wavelength of visible light associated with a distinct color. The spectral range of visible light, classified as electromagnetic radiation, spans from 380 to 720 nm. Electromagnetic radiation wavelengths exceeding 720 nm fall under the infrared category, whereas...
Arboviral Encephalitis01:25

Arboviral Encephalitis

Arboviral encephalitis refers to brain inflammation caused by arthropod-borne viruses, particularly those transmitted through mosquito vectors. Among these, West Nile virus (WNV), a member of the Flaviviridae family, is a significant public health concern. WNV is an enveloped, positive-sense, single-stranded RNA virus. Human infection typically begins when an infected mosquito introduces the virus into the dermis during feeding. The primary transmission cycle involves birds as amplifying hosts...
Cryptococcal Meningitis01:27

Cryptococcal Meningitis

Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...
Glaucoma: Overview01:25

Glaucoma: Overview

Glaucoma is an eye condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure that damages the retina and optic nerve, leading to irreversible blindness if left untreated. The human eye has various components, including the cornea, iris, pupil, lens, and optic nerve. Aqueous humor is secreted by the epithelium of the ciliary body in the posterior chamber and flows through the trabecular meshwork and canal of Schlemm, maintaining normal intraocular pressure. The trabecular meshwork and the canal...
Encephalitis l: Introduction01:19

Encephalitis l: Introduction

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma, most often due to infections or autoimmune processes. It presents with neuropsychiatric features such as fever, altered mental status, behavioral changes, cognitive dysfunction, seizures, focal deficits, and sometimes autonomic instability. In some cases, the meninges are also involved, resulting in meningoencephalitis.Infectious CausesInfectious encephalitis is most commonly viral but can also result from bacterial, fungal, or parasitic...