Fungal eye infections are not very common, but they can be very serious. They may cause damage to the eye if not treated on time. It is important to know the early signs and take quick action.
Recognizing fungal eye infection symptoms early can help in starting the right treatment and stopping the infection from spreading.
What Is a Fungal Eye Infection?
A fungal eye infection is an infection caused by fungi that affect the eye. It can happen after an eye injury, surgery or using contact lenses. Sometimes, the infection enters the eye through dirty hands, tools or water. This infection can affect different parts of the eye like the cornea or the inside of the eye.
Common Fungal Eye Infection Symptoms
Fungal eye infection symptoms may start slowly. At first they may look like a normal eye problem. But the symptoms can become worse if they are ignored. Some of the common signs include:
- Redness in the eye that does not go away
- Eye pain that feels sharp or deep
- Blurry or unclear vision
- A lot of tearing or discharge from the eye
- Light sensitivity or trouble looking at bright lights
These fungal eye infection symptoms may appear one by one or together. If any of these symptoms are noticed, it is important to visit an eye specialist.
Other Fungal Eye Infection Symptoms to Watch For
Some fungal eye infection symptoms are not very common, but they still happen in many cases. These include:
- Swelling of the eyelids
- A white or grey spot on the cornea
- A feeling like something is stuck in the eye
- Trouble opening the eye due to pain or swelling
- Decreased or lost vision in one eye
If these fungal eye infection symptoms continue for more than one or two days, the infection may be getting worse. Early treatment can stop it from causing serious harm.
Who Is at Higher Risk?
Some people have a higher chance of getting a fungal eye infection. These include:
- People who wear contact lenses
- People with weak immune systems
- People who have had eye surgery
- People working in places with dust, dirt or plants
- People with eye injuries caused by plant material or wood
These people should check for fungal eye infection symptoms more carefully and more often. Wearing clean lenses, washing hands and using clean water can reduce the risk.
Why Early Detection Is Important?
Fungal eye infections can grow slowly at first. They can become worse in a few days if not treated. The infection may go deep into the eye and cause permanent damage. In some cases, it may lead to blindness. If fungal eye infection symptoms are seen early, doctors can begin treatment and stop the infection.
Some people delay visiting the doctor because they think it is just an allergy or normal irritation. But if fungal eye infection symptoms are present, waiting can be dangerous. Visiting a doctor early is always the safer choice.
How Is It Diagnosed?
Doctors may use special tools to check the eye. They may take a sample from the eye to test for fungi. This helps the doctor know which fungus is causing the infection. Based on the results, the doctor may start antifungal medicine. Sometimes, both eye drops and oral medicine are needed.
If the infection is serious, injections or surgery may be required. The earlier the fungal eye infection symptoms are noticed, the easier it is to treat them.
How to Prevent It?
Prevention is always better than cure. Following some simple steps can help lower the risk of getting a fungal eye infection. These include:
- Always wash hands before touching the eyes
- Clean contact lenses properly and avoid wearing them too long
- Do not use expired eye drops or makeup
- Protect eyes when working with plants, dust or soil
- Visit an eye doctor if you get an injury to the eye
Following these steps, the chances of fungal eye infection symptoms appearing can be reduced.
Conclusion
Fungal eye infections are rare but serious. They can lead to vision loss if not treated early. It is important to know the fungal eye infection symptoms and take them seriously. Redness, pain, blurry vision and discharge are early warning signs. People who wear contact lenses or work in dusty places should be extra careful.
If any fungal eye infection symptoms appear, it is best to visit an expert immediately. Fast action can protect the eye from damage. For proper care and treatment, it is better to consult the best eye doctor in Gurgaon. Centres like Viaan Eye and Retina Centre have the knowledge and expertise to handle such infections safely and effectively.