Fungal keratitis.
OBJECTIVE
Throughout the world, fungal keratitis is a leading cause of ocular morbidity. The purpose of this review is to discuss the recently published literature in relation to the epidemiology, etiology, diagnosis, and therapy of fungal keratitis.


RESULTS
Globally, the incidence of keratomycoses and systemic mycoses is rising. Current therapies are often ineffective. Ongoing research toward rapid diagnosis and specific drug therapy could minimize the morbidity caused by this preventable disease. New antifungal drugs, including voriconazole, have been applied recently for the treatment of keratomycosis.


CONCLUSIONS
The incidence of fungal keratitis is on the rise in the densely populated continents of Asia and Africa. Filamentous fungi are the most frequently reported pathogens. Polyene antifungal antibiotics, the first-line therapy in fungal keratitis, are not effective in severe keratomycosis. Imidazole derivatives such as voriconazole and echinocandin may be the better choice in the future.
Srinivasan
M
M
Aravind Eye Care System, Tamil Nadu, India. m.srinivasan@aravind.org
D000287:Administration, Topical; D003261:Contact Lenses / Q000009:adverse effects; D005131:Eye Injuries / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007194:India / Q000453:epidemiology; D007634:Keratitis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000473:pathology; D009181:Mycoses / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D013256:Steroids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects
D013256:Steroids