Wear contacts? there's a new problem to be watching for
Posted: Thu Apr 06, 2006 6:59 am
A dangerous eye infection is spreading across the U.S., particularly among people who wear contact lenses.
The infection is called "Fusarium" and is caused by a rare fungus.
It started in Asia.
Now, U.S. doctors are reporting dozens of cases.
The fungus grows within the cornea and if the infection isn't treated quickly, it can cause permanent eye damage, even blindness.
In the past most eye doctors would see just one or two cases a year and almost never in people who wear contacts.
But, now nearly half the victims are contact wearers.
http://www.aoa.org/x5119.xml
The infection is called "Fusarium" and is caused by a rare fungus.
It started in Asia.
Now, U.S. doctors are reporting dozens of cases.
The fungus grows within the cornea and if the infection isn't treated quickly, it can cause permanent eye damage, even blindness.
In the past most eye doctors would see just one or two cases a year and almost never in people who wear contacts.
But, now nearly half the victims are contact wearers.
http://www.aoa.org/x5119.xml