Windy City Retina - Ankit Desai, MD

Histoplasmosis of the eye is a medical condition that occurs when the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum infects the eye. This condition is often a result of inhaling the spores of the fungus, which can be found in soil, especially in areas with bird or bat droppings. While histoplasmosis primarily affects the lungs, it can disseminate to other parts of the body, including the eyes. Symptoms: Histoplasmosis of the eye can lead to various ocular symptoms, including: Choroiditis: Choroiditis is the most common manifestation of ocular histoplasmosis. It can cause blurred or distorted vision, scotomas (blind spots), and decreased central vision. Retinal Scarring: As the infection progresses, it can lead to the formation of scars in the retina, which can further impair vision. Macular Edema: Some individuals with histoplasmosis may develop macular edema, which is the accumulation of fluid in the macula, leading to central vision distortion. Diagnosis: Diagnosing histoplasmosis of the eye typi...

Halloween is just around the corner, and many of us are excited to transform into spooky creatures, superheroes, or our favorite characters for a night of fun and trick-or-treating. While Halloween is all about having a blast, it's crucial to ensure that your vision remains safe and sound throughout the festivities. In this blog post, we'll provide you with some essential safety tips for maintaining spooktacular vision on Halloween night. 1. Choose the Right Costume Accessories Costume accessories can add a lot of flair to your Halloween outfit, but some of them can also pose risks to your eyes. Be cautious when selecting accessories like masks, colored contact lenses, and costume makeup. Make sure they are safe and do not obstruct your vision. Opt for costumes with clear vision masks or face paint instead of masks that limit your field of view. If you decide to wear costume contact lenses, make sure to get them from a reputable source and follow proper hygiene and usage instru...