Early in the disease, there is an acute suppurative inflammatory process accompanied by coagulative necrosis. Hyphae are typically aligned parallel to the lamellae of the cornea. The diagnosis of mycotic keratitis must include the demonstration of the fungus in corneal scrapings and the recovery of a compatible fungus. Fungi are usually deep within the corneal structure, not on the surface. Extensive debridement may be necessary to obtain satisfactory clinical material.
Swabs are unsatisfactory.
A medium containing cycloheximide, if used, cannot be used alone. Curvularia spp - Exserohilum spp. This form of eye infection results from hematogenous dissemination of a systemic fungal disease. Eye involvement is typically a late event following widespread dissemination. The mycosis may involve the orbit, retina, optic nerve, sclera, conjunctiva, and adjacent tissue.