How to Treat Eye Fungus

The location of the eye makes it particularly susceptible to fungal infections, as noted in a 2000 article by the American Society for Microbiology entitled "Fungal and Parasitic Infections of the Eye." Although many fungal eye infections are related to the usage of contact lenses, they can also be caused by surgeries, outdoor accidents, or certain ocular conditions such as chronic ocular surface diseases and chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis (in other words, chronic yeast infection). In addition to medical treatments, some simple home remedies may alleviate the soreness and inflammation associated with eye fungus.

Things You'll Need

• For flaxseed soak:
• Bruised flaxseed (at least 1 oz.)
• 4 oz. water
• Cheesecloth
• For boric acid rinse:
• 1 cup water
• Boric acid powder (at least 1 oz.)
• Sterile washcloth or cotton balls

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Visit the doctor before attempting any treatment. There are several kinds of eye fungus, and treatments are not all the same.

• 2

  Take any medications prescribed by your doctor. Common medications include natamycin, nystatin and amphotericin B, as well as ketoconazole, miconazole, fluconazole, itraconazole, econazole and clotrimazole.

• 3

  Observe the condition of the eye carefully for 2 to 3 days.

Flaxseed Oil Treatment

• 4

  Boil 1 oz. of bruised flaxseed in 4 oz. of water.

• 5

  Steep for 15 minutes, then strain into a cheesecloth. You do not need to retain water, but keep the moistened seeds in the cheesecloth.

• 6

  Place the cheesecloth on the eye three times daily. Remove contact lenses before application.

Boric Acid Treatment

• 7

  Boil 1 cup of water with 1 tsp. of boric acid powder.

• 8

  Allow the mixture to cool for 5 to 10 minutes.

• 9

  Soak a sterile washcloth in the mixture and apply to the affected eye for about five minutes.

• 10

  Repeat two to three times daily.