Purpose
To describe clinical findings, diagnostic techniques and management of Candida lens abscesses in premature infants with history of neonatal candida sepsis.
Design
Retrospective observational review.
Methods
Three cases of Candida lens abscesses were retrospectively identified at one institution. Patients' records were analyzed for clinical, surgical and laboratory findings.
Results
All 3 patients developed a lens opacity with signs of ocular inflammation at 20 weeks, 10 weeks, and 52 weeks postgestational age, respectively. Each patient underwent a lensectomy and anterior vitrectomy, and 2 of 3 had intravitreal injections of antifungal agents. Candida albicans was cultured from the lens/anterior chamber membrane in 2 infants and Candida parapsilosis from a lens aspirate in 1 infant. All Gram stains and cultures of the aqueous humor were negative for fungal elements. Despite successful treatment of the fungal infection, visual outcomes were light perception, counting fingers, and no light perception, respectively for the 3 cases. Two eyes developed glaucoma and one developed a retinal detachment with subsequent phthisis.
Conclusions
Candida lens abscesses may present as a lenticular opacity with ocular inflammation at variable times after neonatal Candida sepsis and onset can be delayed for months. Candida can be difficult to culture from an infant with a Candida lens abscess. Obtaining a culture of the lens aspirate or membranes in the anterior chamber should be included in the diagnostic work-up. The prognosis for functional vision is poor in these eyes.