mycotic keratitis

my·cot·ic ker·a·ti·tis

an infection of the cornea of the eye caused by a fungus.

keratitis

(ker-a-tit'is) [ kerato- + -itis]

Inflammation of the cornea, usually associated with decreased visual acuity and, if untreated, sometimes resulting in blindness. Eye pain, tearing, light sensitivity, and low vision are the most common symptoms.

Etiology

It is often caused by contact lenses, but it may also result from drugs, microorganisms, immunodeficiency, trauma, or vitamin A deficiency.

Treatment

Therapy depends upon the underlying cause. Bacterial infections respond to antibacterial medications (typically administered in drops); herpes simplex viral infection requires antiviral agents; fungal keratitis is treated with antifungal agents; exposure keratitis, as in Bell's palsy, is preventable with topical lubricants.

Patient care

Because of the seriousness of keratitis, patients experiencing eye inflammation or pain should seek immediate medical attention. The patient is assessed for a history of recent upper respiratory infection accompanied by cold sores, pain, central vision loss, the sensation of a foreign body in the eye, contact lens use, photophobia, and blurred vision. The eye is inspected for loss of normal corneal luster and inflammation. A slit lamp examination is often used for optimal viewing of the eye to confirm the condition. Fluorescein staining helps determine the extent and depth of corneal ulcerations. The patient should refrain from rubbing the eye, which can cause complications. Prescribed therapies are administered, and the patient is instructed in their use. Warm compresses are applied as prescribed to relieve pain. If the patient complains of photophobia, the use of dim lighting or sunglasses is recommended. The patient should follow the prescribed treatment regimen carefully for the entire course and return for follow-up examination.

Patient education: the correct instillation of prescribed eye medications and the importance of thorough handwashing before and after touching the eye are emphasized. Contact lenses are removed and are not replaced until infectious forms of keratitis are cured. Any potentially contaminated lenses or lens solutions should be discarded. Stress, traumatic injury, fever, colds, and overexposure to the sun may trigger flare-ups. Both patient and family are taught about safety precautions pertaining to visual sensory or perceptual alterations. They are encouraged to verbalize their fears and concerns. Appropriate information and emotional support and reassurance are provided.

CAUTION!

Because many common forms of keratitis are infectious, examiners should use standard precautions during the evaluation of the eye.

chlamydial keratitis

Corneal ulcerations that accompany chlamydial infection of the conjuctiva.

dendritic keratitis

Superficial branching corneal ulcers.

keratitis disciformis

A gray, disk-shaped opacity in the middle of the cornea.

exposure keratitis

Epithelial defects of the cornea that result from inadequate protection of the eye by the eyelids, as in Bell's palsy.

fascicular keratitis

A corneal ulcer resulting from phlyctenules that spread from limbus to the center of cornea accompanied by fascicle of blood vessels.

herpetic keratitis

Dendritic keratitis in herpes zoster or herpes simplex infections.

hypopyon keratitis

A serpent-like ulcer with pus in the anterior chamber of the eye.

interstitial keratitis

A deep form of nonsuppurative keratitis with vascularization, occurring usually in syphilis and rarely in tuberculosis. It commonly occurs between ages 5 and 15. Symptoms include pain, photophobia, lacrimation, and loss of vision.

Synonym: parenchymatous keratitis

lagophthalmic keratitis

Drying due to air exposure of the cornea resulting from a defective closure of the eyelids.

microbial keratitis

Keratitis due to bacterial infection, often in patients who wear contaminated contact lenses.

mycotic keratitis

Keratitis produced by fungi.

neuroparalytic keratitis

The dull and slightly cloudy insensitive cornea seen in lesions of the fifth nerve.

Synonym: neurotrophic keratitis

neurotrophic keratitis

Neuroparalytic keratitis.

parenchymatous keratitis

Interstitial keratitis.

phlyctenular keratitis

Circumscribed inflammation of the conjunctiva and cornea accompanied by the formation of small projections called phlyctenules, which consist of accumulations of lymphoid cells. The phlyctenules soften at the apices, forming ulcers. See: phlyctenular keratoconjunctivitis

punctate keratitis

Punctate epithelial defects on the cornea epithelium, often seen in dry eye.

Synonym: superficial punctate keratitis

purulent keratitis

Keratitis with the formation of pus.

reapers' keratitis

Corneal inflammation caused by grain dust.

sclerosing keratitis

A triangular opacity in the deeper layers of the cornea, associated with scleritis.

superficial punctate keratitis

Punctate keratitis See: Thygeson disease

thermal keratitis

Damage to the cornea resulting from a burn.

trachomatous keratitis

A form of chlamydial keratitis.

See: pannus

traumatic keratitis

Keratitis caused by a wound of the cornea.

xerotic keratitis

Softening, desiccation, and ulceration of cornea resulting from dryness of the conjunctiva.