Risk & Prevention

Who gets fungal keratitis?

Fungal keratitis most commonly occurs in tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. In temperate areas of the world such as the United States, risk factors for developing fungal keratitis include:

• Recent eye trauma, particularly involving plant matter (for example, thorns or sticks)
• Underlying ocular (eye) disease
• Weakened immune system
• Contact lens use

How can I prevent fungal keratitis?

Protective eyewear is recommended for people who are at risk for eye trauma involving organic matter, such as agricultural workers.

People who wear contact lenses should continue to follow proper lens care practices:

• Wash your hands with soap and water before handling contact lenses.
• Wear and replace your contact lenses according to the schedule prescribed by your doctor.
• Follow the specific lens cleaning and storage guidelines from your doctor and the solution manufacturer.
• Keep your contact lens case clean and replace it every 3 to 6 months.
• If you experience symptoms such as eye redness, pain, tearing, increased light sensitivity, blurry vision, discharge, or swelling, remove your lenses and consult your doctor immediately.