Eye reflecting a garden scene, symbolizing fungal keratitis risk for gardeners

Fungal Eye Infections: A Gardener's Warning and How to Protect Your Sight

Avery Sinclair in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Learn about the rare fungal infection, Pestalotiopsis clavispora, its causes, symptoms, and treatments to safeguard your vision."

Fungal keratitis, an infection of the cornea, is a serious condition that can threaten your vision. While bacterial and viral infections are more commonly discussed, fungal infections can be particularly challenging to diagnose and treat. Understanding the risks and knowing how to protect your eyes is crucial for maintaining optimal eye health.

A recent case study published in 'Clinical Ophthalmology' sheds light on a rare instance of fungal keratitis caused by Pestalotiopsis clavispora, a fungus typically found in plants. This case underscores the importance of vigilance and prompt action when dealing with unusual eye symptoms, especially for individuals with specific risk factors.

This article will break down the details of this case, explain what Pestalotiopsis clavispora is, who is most at risk, and what steps you can take to protect your eyes from fungal infections. Empowering yourself with knowledge is the first line of defense against potential threats to your sight.

What is Pestalotiopsis Clavispora and Why Should You Care?

Eye reflecting a garden scene, symbolizing fungal keratitis risk for gardeners

Pestalotiopsis is a genus of fungi known primarily as plant pathogens. They are commonly found in subtropical and tropical regions, where they can cause diseases in various plants, including blueberry and avocado plants. While typically not a threat to humans, this case study demonstrates that, in rare instances, Pestalotiopsis clavispora can cause infection in humans, specifically affecting the cornea.

The case involved a 73-year-old male gardener who presented with conjunctival injection and an oval infiltrate with feathery margins in the temporal half of the cornea in his right eye. His medical history included several ocular issues and long-term corticosteroid use. Here's a breakdown:

Cataract surgery
Five episodes of herpes simplex keratitis
Three glaucoma surgeries
Bullous keratopathy
Long-term treatment with corticosteroids

The infection was initially treated with topical voriconazole and pimaricin ointment, leading to resolution. However, the keratitis relapsed after the antifungal agents were discontinued. The fungus was then isolated and identified as P. clavispora using molecular techniques. Subsequent treatment with topical and intravenous micafungin led to the resolution of the corneal infiltrate.

Protecting Your Vision: Key Takeaways and Prevention

This case highlights the importance of considering rare pathogens in corneal infections, especially in individuals with pre-existing ocular conditions and a history of corticosteroid use. While Pestalotiopsis clavispora is not a common human pathogen, this case demonstrates that it can cause infection, particularly in those with compromised immune systems or a history of ocular issues. If you experience unusual eye symptoms, especially after exposure to plant matter or soil, seek prompt medical attention. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial for preventing vision loss.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.2147/opth.s48732, Alternate LINK

Title: First Case Of Fungal Keratitis Caused By Pestalotiopsis Clavispora

Subject: Ophthalmology

Journal: Clinical Ophthalmology

Publisher: Informa UK Limited

Authors: Yu Monden, Shyouhaku Yamamoto, Yamakawa, A Sunada, S Asari, K Makimura, Y Inoue

Published: 2013-11-01

Everything You Need To Know

What is Pestalotiopsis clavispora, and why is it relevant to eye health?

Pestalotiopsis clavispora is a fungus primarily known as a plant pathogen, often found in subtropical and tropical regions. Its significance in this context lies in its ability, albeit rare, to cause fungal keratitis, an infection of the cornea in humans. This is particularly relevant to gardeners and individuals with compromised immune systems or pre-existing ocular conditions, as they may be more susceptible to such infections. Understanding that this fungus can affect humans, even though it's uncommon, underscores the importance of vigilance regarding eye health and the potential risks associated with exposure to plant matter and soil.

What is fungal keratitis, and why is it a concern?

Fungal keratitis is an infection of the cornea, the clear front part of the eye. It's a serious condition because it can lead to vision loss if not treated promptly and effectively. While bacterial and viral infections are more common, fungal infections like those caused by Pestalotiopsis clavispora can be difficult to diagnose and treat. The significance of this in the provided context is that it highlights the potential for unusual pathogens to cause serious eye problems, especially in individuals with risk factors.

Why are gardeners considered to be at higher risk?

Gardeners are at a higher risk because they are frequently exposed to plant matter and soil where Pestalotiopsis clavispora can reside. This increased exposure raises the chances of the fungus coming into contact with the eye, especially if there are any existing ocular issues or a weakened immune system. The implications are significant: gardeners need to be particularly cautious about eye protection and seek immediate medical attention if they experience any unusual eye symptoms.

What are the key steps to take if you suspect a fungal eye infection?

The case study emphasizes the importance of early detection and prompt treatment when dealing with any eye infection, especially fungal keratitis. The initial treatment with topical voriconazole and pimaricin ointment led to resolution, but the infection relapsed, showing the need for continued care. If you experience unusual eye symptoms, such as conjunctival injection or corneal infiltrates, especially after exposure to potential fungal sources, seek medical advice right away. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are critical to prevent vision loss and ensure the best possible outcome.

What are the main lessons from this case study regarding eye health?

The key takeaways from this case highlight the need for awareness, prevention, and prompt medical action. It demonstrates that rare pathogens like Pestalotiopsis clavispora can cause serious eye infections, particularly in vulnerable individuals. Prevention involves protecting the eyes, especially when working with plants or soil. If symptoms arise, seek medical attention immediately. This proactive approach is essential to safeguard your vision against potential threats.