Black Fungus in India & Eye Health

Black fungus, medically known as mucormycosis can impact various parts of the body including the eyes. The infection was much talked about post Covid. It is a type of fungal infection and could impact individuals who have weakened immune systems. Moreover it became a major concern during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The fungus in the eyes could cause permanent vision loss if not checked in the initial stage of the disease. During the peak of the COVID-19 in May 2021 there were around 12,000 black fungus cases in India. The exact number of cases were not recorded due challenges in comprehensive data collection across the country.

Black Fungus Infection Covid Symptoms

There are various black fungus infection covid symptoms observed once the eyes are getting infected due to black fungus. Some of the most important symptoms observed during the infection include

1. Redness & Swelling : Due to the infection there is redness and inflammation observed in the eyes.

2. Double vision : The person infected by fungus can experience double vision problems.

3. Eye Pain : Due to fungal infection the person faces pain in and around the eye.

4. Black discolouration : In many cases the necrosis may appear near the eyes or nose.

5. Reduced eye movement : Due to the fungal infection the eye or eyelids movement becomes slow.

6. Dark Skin Around the Eyes: In many severe cases, the skin which is present around the eyes becomes dark and turns into , purplish or blackish hue. This color in the tissues tells that the tissues have become necrotic (dead) due to the infection. This is a clear indication that the infection has progressed and requires immediate medical attention.

7. Fever : Fever is not specific but is often present in the early stages of fungal infection. A fever, associated with any of the other eye-related symptoms, means that the infection is spreading and affecting other areas of the body.

8. Difficulty in Breathing : When this black fungus infection has spread to the lungs or sinuses, the person may experience difficulty breathing or chest pain and the same condition may occur along with the eye symptoms or separately, and it’s crucial to seek medical help immediately if these symptoms arise.

How can Black fungus in eyes be diagnosed ?

There are various ways by which black fungus could be easily detected. Now when we talk about how to detect black fungus in eyes at an initial stage

1. Physical examination : physical examination is mostly carried by the doctors themselves where they check the symptoms like redness or blackness in tissues.

2.Imaging tests : This includes conducting CT scans or MRI s that help to diagnose the presence of infection in brain , lungs and eyes. The scan clarifies the area that is infected.

3. Laboratory culture : In this method the infected tissues or fluid is cultured in the labs to identify the presence of fungus.

4. Blood tests : There are certain markers seen during the blood test that indicate whether you have fungal infection , though they could not be the final ones.

What was Mucor mycosis earlier known as?

Mucor mycosis was previously known as zygomicosis i.e. a serious but rare fungal infection which is caused by a group of moles known as much or mice micros mucor mycetes so this mucor mycetes group encompasses rhizopus species and mucor species. There was a great fear & fury in everybody’s mind so let us try to understand what is much or microsis what is the biological basis of this infection, how we can prevent the infection and what are the possible treatment options.

Where do you find these fungus ?

We can find mucormycosis in many places such as moist soil decaying organic matter, animal dung leaves etc . All of these places you can find these funguses. When you are passing through this area some of the fungal spores accidentally or unknowingly might get inhaled them now in normal situation it’s not a big deal our body knows how to fight against it but it’s a big deal for people who are immunocompromised

These fungal infections can enter our bodies through several routes one of the common routes is entry via inhalation where the spores enter our lungs via our airways right second there could also be an entry point via an injury site if you have one.

Black fungus infection Covid symptoms

COVID-19 has caused so much pain, sorrow and suffering, leaving behind scores of people dead and millions sick and gasping for air . During Covid 19 patients in parts of the Indian subcontinent also experienced mucormycosis, the deadly “black fungus.” This fungal infection was resistant to conventional anti-fungal treatment, and has often called for extensive surgical intervention in order to stem the spread of infection to vital organs such as the heart, brain, orbital spaces and spleen. Black fungus infection Covid symptoms include facial swelling, black discoloration of the nose, severe headaches, sinus pain, blurred vision, and breathing difficulties. It can spread rapidly, affecting the brain, lungs, and eyes, leading to serious complications if not treated on time. Early diagnosis and antifungal treatment are crucial to managing this life-threatening condition.

How to Be Safe from Black Fungus

Proper Hygiene : Hygiene is the best way to fight back fungal infections. Make sure you wash your hands regularly especially when you touch contaminated surfaces. If you’re handling items that could harbor mold, like soil or plant materials, use gloves to avoid direct contact with the fungus.

Avoid Self-Medication : People recovering from COVID-19 or other illnesses should avoid steroids or immunosuppressive drugs. These drugs increase the risk of black fungus. Make sure when you are taking such medications it should be strictly under guidance of a doctor.

How to Avoid Black Fungus

To keep a check of black fungus involves reducing the risk factors that contribute to its development. Here are some ways to avoid black fungus:

1. Keep a check on Blood Sugar Levels

Keep your blood sugar levels in control as it is essential in reducing the risk of black fungus. High blood sugar weakens the immune system, and the chances of infections are much easier to impact the body.

2. Avoid Overuse of Steroids

Those who are consuming steroids medications regularly can weaken their immune system and thereby increase the risk of infections like black fungus. Take steroids only when prescribed by your healthcare provider.