Histoplasmosis Treatment
If you’ve been diagnosed with ocular histoplasmosis or are noticing changes in your vision, we can help. At the Center for Retina and Macular Disease, we offer specialized care to manage this condition and protect your eyesight.
What is Histoplasmosis?
Histoplasmosis is an infection caused by the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum, which is often found in environments with bird and bat droppings. While histoplasmosis usually starts in the lungs, it can travel through the bloodstream and reach your eyes, leading to ocular histoplasmosis syndrome (OHS). When this happens, the infection can damage your retina and cause vision loss if not treated.
Although anyone can develop histoplasmosis, people with weakened immune systems face a higher risk, particularly those with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome or other conditions that affect disease control. The infection is more common in certain areas of the United States, as well as parts of Central and South America.
Symptoms of Ocular Histoplasmosis Can Include:
- Blurred or distorted vision
- Straight lines appearing wavy
- Dark spots in your central vision
- Trouble seeing fine details
- Gradual vision loss in one or both eyes
- Trouble reading or recognizing faces
- Blank or missing spots in your vision
- Decreased clarity, especially in the center of your sight
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Some common causes of histoplasmosis include:
- Breathing in spores from bird and bat droppings
- Exposure to environments like chicken coops, caves, or old buildings
- Weakened immune systems from illness or medication
- Living in or traveling to areas where the fungus is common
- History of lung disease, which can increase the risk of chronic histoplasmosis
Benefits of Receiving Treatment
There are many benefits to receiving treatment for ocular histoplasmosis, including:
- Stabilizing or improving your vision
- Preventing further damage to your retina
- Reducing symptoms like blurred or distorted vision
- Lowering the risk of permanent vision loss
Are You a Candidate For Histoplasmosis Treatment?
You might be a candidate for histoplasmosis treatment if you have been diagnosed with:
- Acute pulmonary histoplasmosis (a mild lung infection from inhaling spores)
- Chronic cavitary histoplasmosis (a long-term lung infection that can affect breathing and overall health)
- Disseminated histoplasmosis (a serious infection that spreads beyond the lungs, sometimes to the eyes)
- Progressive disseminated histoplasmosis (a severe form of the infection that can affect organs such as the brain and spinal cord)
What To Expect
Your eye specialist at the Center for Retina and Macular Disease will examine your eyes, ask about your medical history, and check for signs of ocular histoplasmosis. If histoplasmosis is diagnosed, treatment options will depend on how the infection is affecting your eyes and overall health. These might include:
- Antifungal Medications: Oral or intravenous antifungal treatments can help fight the infection, especially in severe infections or cases called disseminated histoplasmosis.
- Anti-VEGF Injections: If abnormal blood vessels form under the retina due to the infection, injections into the eye can help reduce swelling and stop further vision loss.
- Corticosteroids: In some cases, corticosteroids can reduce inflammation and protect the eye from additional damage.
- Ongoing Monitoring: Regular eye exams allow us to track changes and adjust treatment as needed, particularly in people with immune systems that are more vulnerable to complications.
Your specialist will guide you through your personalized treatment plan and follow-up care to help maintain your vision and eye health.
Potential Risks
As with any condition, treating histoplasmosis carries some risks. These can include side effects from antifungal medications, inflammation, or the development of scar tissue in the eye. Our experienced team at the Center for Retina and Macular Disease works closely with you to reduce these risks and support a smooth recovery.
Signs You Should Meet with an Eye Specialist
If you experience any of the following, it’s probably a good idea to schedule an evaluation:
- Vision that becomes blurry or distorted
- New blind spots or dark areas in your vision
- Difficulty reading or seeing fine details
- Wavy lines or changes in straight lines
- A history of exposure to bat droppings or bird droppings combined with vision changes
- Existing lung disease with new eye symptoms
- Past diagnosis of pulmonary histoplasmosis or severe histoplasmosis with changes in vision
Histoplasmosis Treatment with the Center for Retina and Macular Disease
At the Center for Retina and Macular Disease, our team specializes in the medical and surgical treatment of retinal conditions, including histoplasmosis. Using advanced techniques, our goal is to restore your vision and improve your quality of life. Our experienced eye surgeons provide personalized care, ensuring that each patient receives the best possible treatment for their condition.