In my latest research, I've found that Voriconazole is increasingly being used to treat fungal keratitis, an eye condition caused by fungus. It's an antifungal that's been found to be particularly effective against this disease. Since fungal keratitis can lead to blindness if not properly treated, this is a major breakthrough in the medical field. Recent updates highlight improved patient outcomes and fewer side effects. It's becoming clear that Voriconazole is becoming a go-to treatment for this serious eye condition.
Fungal Keratitis — what it is and why it matters
Fungal keratitis is a fungal infection of the cornea, the clear front surface of your eye. It can start slowly but cause serious vision loss if you wait. People who wear contact lenses, have an eye injury with plant material, use steroid eye drops, or live in warm, humid areas face higher risk.
Common culprits are Fusarium, Aspergillus, and Candida species. Unlike bacterial infections that often worsen fast, fungal keratitis can smolder for days to weeks, which makes early recognition and treatment crucial.
Spotting fungal keratitis: signs to watch for
How do you know it’s more than just irritation? Look for these red flags: increasing eye pain, blurred vision, a white or grayish spot on the cornea, droopy eyelid, discharge, and strong light sensitivity. If symptoms follow an eye injury with dirt or plant material, treat the situation as urgent.
One key sign: fungal infections often cause a feathery or radiating edge to the corneal lesion, unlike the round ulcers you often see with bacteria. But that isn’t a rule—only an eye exam and testing can confirm the cause.
Diagnosis and the tests your eye doctor will do
An eye specialist (ophthalmologist) will examine the eye with a slit-lamp microscope and usually take a corneal scraping. That sample goes for culture and sometimes PCR testing to identify the fungus. Cultures can take days, so doctors often start treatment based on exam and risk factors rather than waiting.
Treatment centers on antifungal medications. Topical antifungal eye drops like natamycin or voriconazole are first-line for many cases. For deeper or severe infections, doctors may add oral antifungals such as itraconazole or voriconazole. In advanced cases with corneal thinning, tears, or poor response to meds, surgery (therapeutic keratoplasty) may be needed to remove infected tissue.
Expect a longer treatment course than for bacteria—often weeks to months. Regular follow-up is essential to track improvement and avoid complications like corneal perforation or scarring that harms vision.
Prevention is straightforward: keep contact lenses clean, never sleep in lenses unless prescribed, avoid rinsing lenses with tap water, and use protective eyewear for yardwork or farming. Don’t use steroid eye drops without a doctor’s OK—steroids can make fungal infections worse.
If you have a red, painful eye after an injury or with worsening vision, see an eye doctor right away. Early treatment greatly increases the chance of saving vision. Fungal keratitis is serious but manageable when caught and treated quickly.