A fungus commonly found in the dust and soil of the Mississippi and Ohio River Valley regions causes histoplasmosis. You can contract the disease by inhaling dust that carries the fungal spores. It is inhaled early in life and causes a usually symptom-free and self-limited infection throughout the body. It may affect the eye by causing small areas of inflammation and scarring of the retina, the light sensing tissue at the back of the eye. When the damage involves the central retina, distortion or blurriness of the central vision may occur.

The most important step in accurately diagnosing ocular histoplasmosis is a careful eye exam. Timely diagnosis and treatment are often successful in preventing loss of reading vision. The retinal specialists at Bennett & Bloom Eye Centers are knowledgeable in all aspects of managing this disease. As a result, we are often able to help maintain your vision. Read more.