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Aspergillus endophthalmitis is a severe fungal infection inside the eye caused by Aspergillus species. It can occur after penetrating trauma or surgery, or spread from the bloodstream in immunocompromised patients. Symptoms include eye pain, redness, floaters, and rapidly worsening vision. The condition threatens both sight and the integrity of the eye.
read more about aspergillus endophthalmitis ...Fungal spores enter the eye directly through injuries or contaminated surgical instruments, or indirectly via hematogenous spread during systemic infection. Steroid use and immunosuppression raise risk. The fungus forms dense inflammatory lesions and vitreous opacities. Early culture and imaging guide therapy.
Once established, fungal colonies trigger inflammation and tissue destruction inside the eye. The resulting clumps of inflammatory cells and fungal material scatter light, reducing clarity and leading to floaters or haze.
You should see your eye doctor if you notice sudden or persistent changes in your vision such as blurriness, flashes of light, floaters, or eye pain. Redness, swelling, or discharge that does not improve with basic care also warrants a checkup. Even if symptoms seem mild, getting a professional evaluation can help detect problems early and prevent complications. Regular eye exams are also important to monitor your overall eye health and keep your vision clear.
Treatment typically includes intravitreal antifungal injections (such as voriconazole) and systemic antifungals, often paired with vitrectomy to remove infected material. Frequent follow up tracks response and addresses complications. In refractory cases, enucleation may be necessary to control infection. Vision outcomes depend on speed of intervention.
Samples from the vitreous or aqueous are cultured and examined under microscopy. PCR testing can help identify fungal DNA. Imaging documents retinal lesions and vitreous haze. Rapid identification allows targeted antifungal therapy.
Patients with penetrating eye trauma, recent intraocular surgery, intravenous drug use, neutropenia, or organ transplants are at elevated risk. Poorly controlled diabetes and prolonged steroid therapy also increase susceptibility. Preventive sterile technique and early evaluation after injury are critical. Awareness speeds care.
Are steroids used? They are used cautiously and typically after antifungals to reduce inflammation.
Is it contagious? No, it is not spread from person to person.
Can vision be saved? Prompt, aggressive treatment offers the best chance.
Khambati, A., Ayres, B. D., & Ehlers, J. P. (2022). Aspergillus endophthalmitis: Epidemiology, pathobiology, and current treatments. Journal of Fungi. PubMed Central. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9318612/
Spadea, L., & Giammaria, D. (2019). Diagnostic and management strategies of Aspergillus endophthalmitis: Current insights. Clinical Ophthalmology. https://www.dovepress.com/diagnostic-and-management-strategies-of-aspergillus-endophthalmitis-cu-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-OPTH
EyeWiki. (2025). Fungal endophthalmitis. EyeWiki (American Academy of Ophthalmology). https://eyewiki.org/Fungal_Endophthalmitis
Haseeb, A. A., Elhusseiny, A. M., Siddiqui, M. Z., et al. (2021). Fungal endophthalmitis: A comprehensive review. Journal of Fungi. PubMed Central. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8623405/
Das, T., Sharma, S., & Jalali, S. (2022). Understanding the science of fungal endophthalmitis. Indian Journal of Ophthalmology. PubMed Central. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9114621/