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RUBBER BARK FUNGAL KERATITIS IN A CONTACT LENS WEARER

Fatin Noor Farzana M. S. B., Muzaliha M. N. & Ropilah A. R.
abstract
Fungal keratitis is one of the leading cause of vision threatening ocular morbidity. Due to its slow pathologic progress, it posts a clinical diagnostic challenge. The increasing trend of fungal keratitis is attributed to the use of contact lens, non-judiciary corticosteroid, and corneal trauma by vegetative matter. We report a case of fungal keratitis in a 33-year-old man who has 2 risk factors; a contact lens wearer and corneal trauma by vegetative matter from rubber bark. The initial symptoms mimic bacterial keratitis. A presumptive diagnosis of fungal keratitis was made on 5 days after symptoms started based on the characteristic Slit-lamp biomicroscopic signs and treatment with topical as well as systemic antifungal drugs was started. In the absence of fungal elements and a positive culture, recognizing the characteristic appearance enable immediate treatment and minimizing complication, resulting in good outcome.
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