ABSTRACT
Fungal keratitis linked to contact lens wear, in subtropical climates, represents 20–30% of total isolates. This chapter aims focuses on the various causative factors implicated in pathogenesis of mycotic infection of the cornea. It describes the biofilm formation due to the use and bad preservation of contact lens in contact lenses as an incidental culture medium for fungi, the most common etiological agents, the host innate immunity, and immunopathological mechanisms involved in fungal keratitis processes. Adherence of fungi to host cells is the sine qua non condition for the outset of the infection. Thus, the interaction between pathogenic fungi with host cells is the primary factor in the pathogenesis of fungal keratitis. The host inherent defense of immunocompetent individuals is generally able to eradicate opportunistic fungal pathogens. Fungal keratitis is emerging as a significant cause of vision loss in developing countries, which is the reason why intensive research becomes meaningful, since it is an increasingly relevant public health problem.
