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Fusarium Keratitis in Contact Lens Wearers

Fusarium Keratitis in Contact Lens Wearers

3 January 2024

Causative agent

Fusarium keratitis is a fungal infection of the cornea. Fusarium is commonly found in organic matter such as soil and plants. People who have trauma to the eye, underlying eye diseases, weakened immune system and contact lens use may be at increased risk of infection. It is a rare disease, and is not transmitted from person to person.

An increased number of contact lens related Fusarium keratitis cases were reported to the Centre for Health Protection in 2005 and 2006. For information related to investigation, please refer to http://www.chp.gov.hk/content.asp?lang=en&info_id=6523.

Clinical features

Fusarium keratitis may present with eye pain, eye redness, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, excessive tearing or eye discharge. It can be severe and result in visual loss or blindness.

Management

Fusarium keratitis is treated with antifungal medication. It can be severe and result in loss of vision which requires corneal transplantation to recover the vision. If you have symptoms of Fusarium keratitis, seek medical advice immediately.

Prevention

To prevent contact lens related microbial keratitis, contact lens wearers should take heed of the health advice below:

  1. Regularly have your eyes checked by eye care professionals.
  2. Remove the contact lens whenever you feel discomfort (e.g. redness, pain, tearing or blurred vision) and seek medical advice promptly if symptoms persist despite the contact lenses have been taken off.
  3. Never share contact lenses.
  4. When using contact lens solution, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use.
  5. Keep all accessories used for cleansing and disinfecting contact lenses (e.g. contact lens storage case) clean and replace them regularly.
To know more about contact lenses and tips on using contact lens solution, please refer to the following websites: https://www.mdd.gov.hk/filemanager/common/information-publication/Know%20More%20About%20Contact%20Lenses_Eng.pdf and https://www.mdd.gov.hk/filemanager/common/information-publication/Tips%20on%20Use%20of%20Contact%20Lens%20Solution.pdf


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