Fungal eye infections: types, symptoms and treatment

A fungal eye infection can show itself in different ways, depending on which part of the eye is infected. This guide explains the types of fungal eye infection, the fungi that cause them, the symptoms and how they are treated, along with how they differ from other common eye infections.

Common eye infections

Eye infections come in many forms, including pink eye (conjunctivitis), keratitis, styes, fungal infections and uveitis.

• Conjunctivitis is an infection or inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin layer covering the white of the eye. It can be caused by viruses, bacteria or allergies. Viral conjunctivitis usually clears up without special treatment. Allergic conjunctivitis can be eased by splashing cool water on your face. Bacterial conjunctivitis, like viral, often heals on its own, but an antibiotic may be needed. Conjunctivitis caused by chemicals is treated by washing the eye with Ringer's lactate or saline solution. Read more about conjunctivitis.
• Keratitis is inflammation of the cornea, the clear front window of the eye. Its treatment depends on the underlying cause.
• A stye, or hordeolum, is an oil gland in the eyelid that has become infected with bacteria. Most resolve without treatment, and warm compresses may be recommended. See our guide to eye styes.
• Uveitis is inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye. It is most commonly treated with steroid (glucocorticoid) medicines taken by mouth or as eye drops, and antimetabolite medicines are also routinely used. See our guide to uveitis.

Types of fungal eye infection

Fungal infections can affect different parts of the eye:

• Fungal keratitis affects the cornea, the transparent outer layer of the eye.
• Fungal endophthalmitis is an infection inside the eye (the vitreous and/or aqueous humour, the gel and fluid that fill the eye). There are two types:
  • Exogenous endophthalmitis develops when fungal spores enter the eye from outside.
  • Endogenous endophthalmitis develops when an infection elsewhere in the body, such as candidaemia (Candida in the bloodstream), spreads to one or both eyes.

Fungi that cause eye infections

• Fusarium is a fungus found in the environment, mainly on plants and in soil.
• Aspergillus is a common fungus that lives both indoors and outdoors.
• Candida is a type of yeast that normally lives on human skin and mucous membranes, the body's outer layers of defence.

Symptoms of a fungal eye infection

Signs of a fungal eye infection can include:

• eye redness
• pain and discharge from the eye
• watery eyes
• sensitivity to light
• swollen eyes and inflammation around the eyes
• itching
• blurred or distorted vision

How fungal eye infections are treated

Treatment depends on:

• the type of fungus
• how severe the infection is
• which parts of the eye are affected

Because a fungal infection can threaten sight, have any painful red eye with blurred vision or discharge examined by an ophthalmologist (eye specialist) promptly rather than treating it yourself. Read about when to visit an eye hospital immediately.

Home care alongside treatment

Simple home measures can ease discomfort and help stop an infection spreading, but they do not replace the treatment your eye doctor prescribes:

• a warm compress
• a cold compress
• washing bed linen, pillow covers and towels regularly