Mycotic Keratitis (मायकोटिक केराटाइटिस) एक corneal infection है जो fungal organisms के कारण होती है।
- यह condition आमतौर पर tropical और subtropical regions में ज्यादा पाई जाती है।
- अक्सर trauma with vegetative matter (जैसे पत्तियों या लकड़ी से चोट) के बाद होता है।
- Delay in diagnosis or treatment से corneal perforation, vision loss, और blindness हो सकता है।
Mycotic Keratitis क्या है (What is Mycotic Keratitis)
- Infection of the cornea (corneal stroma) by fungi
- Common fungal pathogens:
- Fusarium species
- Aspergillus species
- Candida species (less common)
- Leads to corneal ulcer, pain, redness, and vision impairment
- Severe untreated cases may require corneal transplant
Mycotic Keratitis कारण (Causes of Mycotic Keratitis)
1. Trauma with Vegetative Material
- Most common cause in rural areas
- Puncture by plant material, wood splinters, thorns
2. Contact Lens Use
- Poor hygiene or prolonged wear
- Contaminated lenses or solutions
3. Immunocompromised Status
- Diabetes mellitus, HIV, chronic steroid therapy
4. Ocular Surface Disorders
- Dry eye, previous corneal disease, chemical injuries
5. Environmental Factors
- Hot and humid climates favor fungal growth
Mycotic Keratitis लक्षण (Symptoms of Mycotic Keratitis)
- Redness of eye (conjunctival injection)
- Severe eye pain
- Blurred vision / decreased vision
- Photophobia (light sensitivity)
- Excessive tearing and discharge
- White or gray corneal infiltrates / ulcer
- Sometimes feathery edges or satellite lesions on cornea
Early symptoms resemble bacterial keratitis, careful diagnosis needed।
Mycotic Keratitis कैसे पहचाने (Diagnosis of Mycotic Keratitis)
- Slit-lamp Examination – corneal infiltrates, feathery margins, satellite lesions
- Corneal Scraping & Culture – fungal identification on Sabouraud dextrose agar
- KOH Mount / Gram Stain – confirms fungal hyphae
- Confocal Microscopy (optional) – visualize fungal filaments
- Visual Acuity Assessment – check extent of vision impairment
Early and accurate diagnosis critical for successful treatment।
Mycotic Keratitis इलाज (Treatment of Mycotic Keratitis)
1. Antifungal Therapy
- Topical Natamycin 5% – first-line for filamentous fungi
- Topical Amphotericin B 0.15% – Candida infections
- Systemic antifungals (Itraconazole, Voriconazole) in severe or deep infections
2. Supportive Therapy
- Cycloplegic drops for pain relief
- Avoid corticosteroids in active fungal infection
3. Surgical Intervention
- Debridement of corneal epithelium to improve drug penetration
- Therapeutic keratoplasty in perforation or non-healing ulcers
4. Monitoring
- Frequent follow-up with slit-lamp exams
- Monitor response to antifungal therapy
Early treatment improves visual prognosis and reduces complications।
रोकथाम (Prevention)
- Eye protection during agriculture or outdoor activities
- Proper contact lens hygiene
- Avoid self-medication or corticosteroids without prescription
- Manage diabetes and immunosuppressive conditions
सावधानियाँ (Precautions)
- Do not rub or touch infected eye
- Complete entire course of antifungal therapy
- Avoid contaminated water for washing eyes
- Regular follow-up until complete healing of cornea
FAQs (अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले प्रश्न)
Q1. Mycotic Keratitis contagious है?
नहीं, यह fungal infection व्यक्तिगत eye trauma या contact lens contamination से होती है।
Q2. क्या यह तुरंत blindness cause कर सकती है?
Untreated severe cases में corneal perforation और vision loss हो सकता है।
Q3. Treatment कितने समय तक चलता है?
Mild cases में 2–4 weeks, severe cases में 6–8 weeks या longer।
Q4. क्या steroid eye drops use कर सकते हैं?
नहीं, corticosteroids fungal infection worsen कर सकते हैं।
निष्कर्ष (Conclusion)
Mycotic Keratitis (फंगल कर्नियल अल्सर) एक गंभीर ocular infection है, जो early diagnosis और antifungal therapy से treat किया जा सकता है।
Eye protection, contact lens hygiene और early ophthalmologist consultation से vision loss से बचा जा सकता है।
अगर किसी को eye pain, redness, blurred vision या white corneal spot दिखे, तो तुरंत ophthalmologist से संपर्क करना चाहिए।