PHIALOPHORA CORNEAL ULCER

Background: A corneal fungal ulcer which appeared to be quite superfic ial clinically, was found by histologic examination to unexpectedly in volve the full thickness of the cornea. Methods: A patient with an app arent superficial corneal fungal ulcer due to Phialophora species was resistant to topical and intravenous antifungal therapy.Results: Penet rating keratoplasty cured the condition with retention of normal visio n with a follow-up of two years. Conclusions: If keratomycosis is unre sponsive to topical and intravenous antifungal therapy, penetrating ke ratoplasty may be required to eliminate the infection. Resistance to m edical therapy might suggest presence of fungus far deeper in the corn ea than suspected clinically.