Ocular Histoplasmosis
Ocular histoplasmosis is a
dissemination of the H. capsulatum fungus
from the lungs to the eyes. The disease
causes inflammation and scarring of the retinas. The resulting scar tissue may
leak blood or fluid from abnormal blood vessels which leads to areas of vision
loss, distortion or blurriness. It is possible for this to occur long after
initial infection of the fungus.
An eye exam with eye dilation is the best means of diagnosis for ocular histoplasmosis. It can be difficult to detect because people rarely experience eye symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment is essential in preventing vision loss. |
From Eye Centers
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Healthy Retina, Normal Vision Retina with Histoplasmosis, Blurred, darkened area of vision. |
Ocular histoplasmosis is most common in people who live in endemic areas and who are exposed at a young age. Exposure to the fungus later in life is less likely to result in damage to the retinas.
Treatments for ocular histoplasmosis include; prescription corticosteroids, photodynamic therapy, Vascular Endothelia Growth Factor (VEGF) Inhibitors, subretinal surgery or laser photocoagulation. Laser surgery seals the areas of leakage from the scar tissue preventing increased vision loss. Following laser treatment there will often remain an area of blurred vision or a blind spot.
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From Eye Centers
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