Antifungal eye drops are part of the treatment regimen for fungal eye infections. They’re different from regular eye drops for dry eyes (artificial tears).
The most commonly prescribed antifungal eye drops include:
- Amphotericin B
- Natamycin
- Fluconazole
- Voriconazole
- Ketoconazole
To diagnose a fungal eye infection, your doctor will examine your eye by taking a small sample of tissue or fluid from your eye. This is not painful, and it does not damage your eye.
What are the Types of Antifungal Eye Drops?
Antifungal eye drops can be prescription or over-the-counter (OTC). Several types of prescription antifungal eye medications exist for fungal keratitis and other fungal eye infections.
Natamycin eye drops treat infections involving the outer layer of the eye, particularly those caused by fungi Aspergillus and Fusarium.
Deeper infections usually require treatment and drops. This includes topical Natamycin paired with other antifungal medications such as:
- Amphotericin B
- Fluconazole
- Vfend (voriconazole)
- Econazole
These are oral or intravenous medications. They can also be topical medications placed directly into the eye or the skin surrounding the eye. Rare instances in which the infection doesn’t heal might require surgery.
What are Over-the-counter (OTC) Eye Drops?
You can buy OTC antifungal eye drops to treat fungal eye infections. However, you should consult an eye doctor before using any of them.
Fungal eye infections can be severe, and they can put you at risk of blindness if they're not treated properly. It’s essential that your doctor examines your eye and determines the location of the infection to assess your overall eye health.
Don't self-treat with OTC drops. Seek professional evaluation to ensure you receive the correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Which Antifungal Eye Drops Are Best For You?
Your doctor will determine which antifungal eye drops are best for you based on the following:
- Infection type
- Intensity of the infection
- Part of your eye affected by the infection
Most fungal infections, including infectious keratitis and mycotic keratitis, are treatable. However, seeing an ophthalmologist as soon as possible is important.
Why Should You See a Doctor?
Fungal eye infections can mimic other conditions. A doctor can accurately diagnose the infection and prescribe the appropriate medication.
Without getting infections treated properly, you run the risk of permanent damage to your intraocular components and visual acuity. A thorough ophthalmology exam ensures proper, prompt diagnosis and treatment.
What Causes Fungal Eye Infections?
Fungal eye infections occur in one of two ways. It can be caused by keratitis, which is an infection of the cornea. Or it can be caused by endophthalmitis, which is an infection inside of the eye.
The most common causes of fungal eye infections include:
- Eye injury, particularly from perforation by plant material like a thorn or stick
- Eye surgery (most commonly corneal transplant surgery or cataract surgery)
- Chronic eye diseases that involve the surface of the eye
- Contact lenses, especially if you sleep in them
- Exposure to contaminated medical products
- Fungal bloodstream infection
- Use of corticosteroids
- Weakened immune system
- Diabetes
The most common types of fungi that cause ocular infections include:
- Fusarium. Found in soil and on plants
- Aspergillus. Found in indoor and outdoor environments
- Candida. Yeast that lives on human skin and the protective lining inside the body (mucous membrane)
Fungal eye infections are rare. However, they can be serious and require medical treatment. Most of the time, treatment includes antifungal eye drops, ointments, and pills.
How to Use Antifungal Eye Drops Safely
It's essential to use antifungal eye drops correctly to maximize their effectiveness and minimize potential risks. Here's a step-by-step guide:
- Wash your hands thoroughly.
- Shake the bottle well before use.
- Tilt your head back and gently pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pouch.
- Hold the bottle close to your eye without touching the tip to your eye or any other surface.
- Squeeze the prescribed number of drops into the pouch.
- Close your eye gently for a minute or two to allow the medication to spread.
- Avoid blinking or rubbing your eyes immediately after application.
If you're using more than one type of eye drop, wait at least 5 minutes between applications to prevent dilution or interaction between medications.
Always follow your doctor's instructions regarding dosage and frequency. Don't use more or less than prescribed, and complete the full course of treatment even if your symptoms improve.
Potential Side Effects of Antifungal Eye Drops
While generally safe, antifungal eye drops can cause some side effects, just like any medication. Most side effects are mild and temporary, but it's important to be aware of them.
Some common side effects include:
- Eye irritation. You might experience a temporary burning or stinging sensation upon application.
- Redness. The eye may appear slightly redder than usual.
- Blurred vision. Your vision might be temporarily blurry immediately after using the drops.
- Discomfort. A feeling of grittiness or a foreign body sensation in the eye.
Severe side effects could indicate an allergic reaction to the medication. Contact your doctor if you experience any of the following after using Natamycin or any other type of antifungal drug or topical medication:
- Rash
- Swelling
- Itching
- Reaction felt in the face, throat, or tongue
- Dizziness
- Breathing difficulty
Despite the discomfort caused by antifungal eye drops, doctors believe the benefits outweigh the risks. Never stop using the medication without first consulting your doctor. If you believe the side effects you experience using eye drops are intolerable, speak to your doctor.
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