CONTACT LENS RELATED FUNGAL CORNEAL INFECTIONS

CONTACT LENS RELATED FUNGAL CORNEAL INFECTIONS

16.

Mdm Ho Geok Choo asked the Minister for Health in light of the recent report on fungal corneal infections (a) whether those who contracted the contact lens related fungal corneal infections will suffer permanent damage to their eyes; and (b) how long will his Ministry take to conclude its investigations into the causes of these contact lens related fungal corneal infections.

Mr Khaw Boon Wan: Fungal infection of the cornea is a serious condition. The treatment is not straight-forward, as patients react to anti-fungal treatment agents differently. It is usually prolonged and may take weeks or months.

The extent of damage will depend on the severity of the fungal ulcer. Some may end up with residual corneal scar from the infection and may need an elective corneal transplant. In extreme cases, it can even lead to blindness unless a successful cornea transplant is done.

Column: 1807

Fortunately, for this particular episode, most of the affected patients have improved their vision with treatment. It is, however, premature to say what the final outcome would be as some patients are still on follow-up by their doctors.

As for the cause of the increased incidence of fungal corneal infections, investigations are still ongoing. They are complex and will take several months. And sometimes, despite extensive investigations and testing, the cause cannot be determined with certainty. But I am glad that my Ministry has taken the precautionary step of sounding the alert early to help prevent further unnecessary infections and tragedies.

Column: 1807