Amid the rise of black fungus, new cases of white fungus is the new matter of concern. Scientific name for White fungus is ‘Candida Albicans’.
Four news cases of this fungus has become the matter of concern now. Since the cases of this fungus are rare, there is no need for panic currently. But we need to be watchful of the symptoms and take timely treatment.
Ophthalmologists are in the opinion that if the diagnosis and treatment is timely, then there is no risk for life or vision.
What is White fungus?
‘Candida Albicans’ is the scientific term for white fungus. It is kind of a yeast which lives in or on our body. Increase of this can create problems in our body. When this yeast is tested in a laboratory, its appearance is white. Hence, the it is called white fungus.
This can affect any part of the body or the eyeball. Black fungus or Mucormycosis affects the tissues around the eyes, especially the nasal sinuses. Whereas, it fungus affects many tissues inside the eye and, especially the vitreous gel and the retina.
How dangerous is it?
As cases of white fungus are very rare currently, it is difficult to compare how dangerous white fungus is than black fungus. However, if diagnosed and treated on time, it is not life threatening. If the infection spreads to the whole body then it becomes life threatening.
Symptoms
- Decrease in vision after 2-3 months of recovery from COVID-19
- Central vision loss
- Noticing many black shadows or black particles moving before the eye
Causes
This fungus is cause due to the high medicines or steroids used during the COVID-19 management protocol. These medicines may help is saving a patients from Corona. But the side effects of using them would be losing body immune mechanisms. these patients are more vulnerable to this fungus.
Who is more vulnerable?
- Patients who have low immunity or high blood sugar levels
- Covid-19 patients who recovered (6-8 weeks of the first fever)
- Patients with co-morbidities like diabetes, low immunity, or chronic diseases
- Patients treated with steroids.
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