A rare fungal eye infection has been reported in the district after a woman sought treatment at a private hospital for persistent redness and irritation that had lasted for months. Tests revealed she was infected with Histoplasma capsulatum, a fungus that is rarely found in the eye. Timely diagnosis and treatment helped doctors save her vision.
According to doctors, initial treatments failed to improve her condition, prompting a biopsy that confirmed the infection. Histoplasma capsulatum is commonly found in soil contaminated with bat and bird droppings and typically affects the lungs. Infection in the eye socket (orbit) is considered extremely rare.
Specialists said the infection is usually seen in people with weakened immune systems, but the woman had a normal immune response. After nearly a year of antifungal treatment, the infection was fully controlled, and her eyesight remained intact. Doctors have advised anyone experiencing persistent eye redness, irritation, or swelling to seek prompt evaluation from an eye specialist.
