CET - Take a Practice Exam

The surface of the eye is rich in nutrients and supports a variety of microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi. Fungi are a diverse group of organisms, ranging from microscopic unicellular entities to large multicellular forms. Although not as common as bacteria or viruses as a cause of eye infection, a large number of fungal species have been associated with the eye. Several species are known to cause eye infections (ocular mycoses), which may even be life-threatening. This article discusses the most common ocular mycoses, the importance of fungal contamination of materials in contact with the eye, and the methods of treatment.