Safe, Effective Treatment for Histoplasmosis
The eyes are susceptible to irritation, infection, and other serious complications. At Retina Associates, our team of eye doctors is experienced in caring for all types of eye disorders, even those that may be considered rare, such as histoplasmosis. Histoplasmosis is a fungal infection that often mimics a common cold. Because symptoms of histoplasmosis may not be severe, the condition often goes undiagnosed.
Histoplasmosis can cause inflammation in the eye. This infection can leave behind tiny scars known as “histo spots,” which may cause vision complications. Our doctors offer histoplasmosis treatment at our Shawnee Mission, KS practice to help patients avoid permanent vision impairment.
Who Is at Risk for Histoplasmosis?
Histoplasmosis is a fungal infection that can develop when an individual breathes in the spores of a fungus most commonly found in bat and bird droppings. This sounds like an unlikely event, but these spores can become airborne and are often disturbed during cleanup or demolition projects, or when a person is farming or gardening. Because of the location and the nature of the work, farmers, landscapers, and those living or working along river valleys are most at risk for developing histoplasmosis.
Symptoms of Histoplasmosis
If histoplasmosis causes any noticeable side effects, they are usually mistaken for those of a cold or flu. The most common symptoms of histoplasmosis include a cough, chills, and fever. However, histoplasmosis can also cause inflammation in the eyes. This inflammation may not be noticeable, but it can leave behind scar tissue that can cause vision problems. Patients suffering from ocular histoplasmosis may develop the following vision problems:
- Blank spots in vision
- Distorted vision
- Color loss
- Flashes of light in central vision
Treating Histoplasmosis
Any patient who has suffered from histoplasmosis should routinely have the eyes examined for histo spots. Similarly, if a patient is experiencing any of the symptoms of ocular histoplasmosis, hr or she should see an ophthalmologist as soon as possible to undergo an eye exam.
If our doctors identify histo spots, we can provide histoplasmosis treatment that will minimize long-term damage to vision. There are three primary methods for treating ocular histoplasmosis: anti-VEFG treatment, laser treatment, and steroid injection. Below is a brief summary of each of these treatment methods:
Anti-VEFG: Anti-VEFG treatment is a drug-based treatment that serves to block the chemical called vascular endothelial growth factor, or VEFG. This chemical causes abnormal blood vessels to grow under the retina and can, ultimately, compromise vision. During anti-VEFG treatment, an anti-VEFG drug is administered directly to the eye by one of our eye doctors. This is an outpatient procedure that can reduce the growth of blood vessels, minimize leaking, and slow down vision loss. In some cases, the procedure may even improve vision.
Laser treatment: Another option in the treatment of histoplasmosis is laser treatment. This is an outpatient procedure that can slow vision loss. During this procedure, a concentrated laser is used to destroy abnormal blood cells. While this does not cure histoplasmosis, it does prevent further leaking or growth. Laser treatment is likely to cause blurry vision, but vision should stabilize within a few weeks after treatment.
Steroid injection: Histoplasmosis is a problem that is primarily caused by swelling. In certain cases, our doctors may recommend steroid injection to combat inflammation. As with the other treatment options, steroid injection will not cure histoplasmosis, but it may slow down its progression so patients can preserve their vision.
Contact Us
Histoplasmosis is a lifelong condition that will require continual monitoring. If you are concerned that you may be suffering from histoplasmosis and would like to learn how our experienced eye doctors can help you preserve your vision, be sure to contact our trusted team of retinal surgeons and specialists. You can reach our team by phone at (913) 831-7400.