Fungal Keratitis Treatment

When dealing with fungal keratitis treatment, the goal is to stop the infection, preserve vision, and avoid scarring of the cornea. Also known as fungal eye infection therapy, it involves medicines, procedures, and careful monitoring. Accurate diagnosis often starts with a slit‑lamp exam, and sometimes a confocal microscopy scan helps confirm the fungus type. Fungal keratitis treatment isn’t one‑size‑fits‑all; it adapts to the organism, depth of the ulcer, and patient health.

Core options you’ll encounter

The first line of defense usually means topical antifungal eye drops. Natamycin, a broad‑spectrum polyene effective against filamentous fungi like Fusarium and Aspergillus is the FDA‑approved go‑to for many cases. If the ulcer is deep or the response is slow, doctors may add Voriconazole, a triazole that penetrates the cornea well and works on resistant strains. Both drugs require strict dosing schedules—often every hour at first—so patient compliance becomes a critical factor.

When medication alone can’t clear the infection, procedural steps kick in. Corneal debridement, which gently scrapes dead tissue, improves drug penetration and reduces fungal load. In severe or late‑stage cases, a corneal transplant, also called penetrating keratoplasty, replaces the damaged corneal layer with a donor graft. Transplant success hinges on controlling the fungus before and after surgery, making the choice of antifungal regimen essential.

Beyond the drugs and surgery, supportive care matters. Lubricating drops keep the eye moist, while oral antifungals like itraconazole are reserved for systemic spread or when topicals can’t reach the deeper stromal layers. Regular follow‑up visits let clinicians track healing, adjust doses, and catch complications such as secondary bacterial infection or increased intra‑ocular pressure.

All of these pieces—diagnostic tools, topical and systemic meds, and surgical options—form a layered approach to fungal keratitis treatment. Below you’ll find detailed articles that break down each medication, compare alternatives, and explain when surgeons step in. Dive in to see practical tips, dosing charts, and real‑world case examples that can help you or a loved one navigate this challenging eye condition.