Condition

Fungal Keratitis

Also known as Fungal Corneal Infection, Mycotic Keratitis, Fungal Corneal Ulcer, Fungal Eye Infection, Filamentous Fungal Keratitis

Updated May 16, 2026For educational purposes only. Not a substitute for medical advice. See our terms.

Bottom Line

Fungal keratitis is a serious cornea infection. It often follows plant or soil injury, and it needs urgent eye care.

Fungal keratitis infects the cornea, the clear front window of the eye. It can cause pain, redness, light sensitivity, discharge, and blurry vision 1.

Risk is higher after an eye scratch from plant matter, soil, dust, or trauma. Contact lens wear and steroid eye drops can also raise concern 2.

Treatment usually needs antifungal eye drops and close follow-up. Trials of fungal keratitis show natamycin is an important first-line medicine, especially for many filamentous fungi 1.

Symptoms

Fungal keratitis can look like other cornea infections.

  • Eye pain. Pain may grow over days.
  • Redness and tearing. The eye often looks inflamed.
  • Light sensitivity. Bright light may hurt.
  • Blurred vision. Swelling or ulceration can blur sight.
  • White or gray spot. This may be an infected corneal ulcer.

Because signs overlap, many cases need slit lamp exam and lab testing 2.

Treatment

Fungal keratitis needs prescription treatment.

  • Antifungal drops. Natamycin is often used for filamentous fungal keratitis.
  • Culture. A corneal sample can guide treatment.
  • Stop steroid drops unless directed. Steroids can worsen some infections.
  • Close follow-up. Severe ulcers may need daily checks at first.
  • Surgery. Deep infection or thinning may need cornea surgery.

Mycotic Ulcer Treatment Trial research found better outcomes with natamycin than voriconazole for many fungal ulcers 3.

Prevention

Lower your risk with eye protection and contact lens safety.

  • Wear safety glasses for yard work, farming, and tools.
  • Do not rinse contact lenses with water.
  • Do not swim or shower in contact lenses.
  • Replace lens cases and solution as directed.
  • Do not use steroid eye drops unless an eye doctor prescribed them.
  • Seek care quickly after a plant or soil injury.

Common Questions About Fungal Keratitis

It is urgent. A painful red eye after plant or soil injury needs same-day eye care.

Next Steps

  1. 1Call an eye doctor today after plant, soil, or dust injury with pain.
  2. 2Stop contact lenses until the cornea is checked.
  3. 3Bring contact lenses, case, and solution to the visit.
  4. 4Do not use leftover steroid drops for a red painful eye.
  5. 5Seek emergency care for chemical splash, injury, newborn red eye, or sudden vision loss.

Find specialists for Fungal Keratitis

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