Under the purview of Rare Disease Awareness Month in February 2024, Infection Control Today® and Contagion®Live are joining forces to shed light on uncommon infectious diseases that are critically important for healthcare professionals to comprehend. Dr. Eric D. Donnenfeld, an eminent Ophthalmic consultant from Long Island, New York, recently addressed three such diseases, focusing on rare ocular infections. Among all eye diseases, certain atypical conditions can have severe health repercussions like scarring or permanent visual impairment, if not treated promptly and effectively.
According to Dr. Donnenfeld, the typology of infections in the eye can substantially differ based on where they originate. Among rare yet highly infectious diseases, most tend to be viral affecting the cornea or the eye surface. Epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (EKC), one such disease caused by an adenovirus pathogen, is a highly transmittable form of ‘pink eye’ with no concrete therapeutic procedure as it is viral. EKC, characterized by eye switch to startling red with probable conjunctiva scarring, is contagious and can spread rapidly. Without proper hygienic practices, the infection could spread to multiple individuals resulting in prolonged serious outcomes such as long-term loss of vision. Another noteworthy yet unusual eye condition is herpes simplex keratitis.
Even though herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a well-recognized disease primarily affecting the mouth and genital regions, ocular herpes is rarer and typically presents itself in one eye only. It could lead to corneal scarring, necrosis, and diminished corneal sensation over time, potentially causing vision loss. While not highly infectious, once a patient contracts ocular HSV, it is possible for the disease to recur in the same patient. Direct contact with an infected patient’s secretions and lesions should be avoided to prevent transmission.
Even after surgery such as Lasik and cataract surgeries, rare eye infections can occur. Such infections, if untreated, can progress to severe scarring and vision loss and may even necessitate corneal transplantation. These infrequent postoperative complications are often due to gram-positive organisms like methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus or atypical mycobacterium. Lastly, contact lens use could increase the risk of keratitis, resulting from inadequate hygiene and prolonged wear. Contact lens wearers should adhere to recommended wearing schedules and maintain hygiene to reduce the risk of these infections. Early detection through broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy can help prevent permanent loss of vision.
Source: https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/view/what-you-need-know-about-3-rare-infectious-eye-diseases