Clinical features and outcomes of Fusarium keratitis associated with contact lens wear.

PURPOSE: To describe the clinical features and outcomes among contact lens wearers with Fusarium keratitis.

METHODS

A retrospective observational review of all cases of culture-proven Fusarium keratitis among contact lens wearers from three hospitals in Hong Kong Island were included. The clinical features, hygiene habits, and clinical outcomes were reviewed.

RESULTS

Sixteen patients (17 eyes) were diagnosed with Fusarium keratitis associated with contact lens wear. One patient had bilateral involvement. Six patients had a central lesion; four had paraxial lesions; one had paraxial and peripheral lesions; and the rest had peripheral lesions. Ten (62.5%) patients reported using ReNu multipurpose cleaning solution. Most patients had poor contact lens hygiene habits. One patient required systemic antifungal treatment. No surgical intervention was required in any of the patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The clinical features of Fusarium keratitis in contact lens wearers can be variable. Although fungal infection is reported rarely, clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for it when examining patients with contact lens-associated microbial keratitis. Education on proper contact lens care should be reinforced. Early and appropriate treatment may lead to satisfactory visual outcomes.