Filamentous fungal invasion of a methafilcon contact lens

PURPOSE: To report a case of Fusarium species invasion of a methafilcon matrix soft contact lens in a first-time lens wearer. RESULTS: The authors describe the history and ocular examination of a 19-year-old woman with large fungal deposits on her contact lens. Culture of the contact lens grew Fusarium species. On histologic examination, fungal filaments were seen on both surfaces of the contact lens as well as invading the lens matrix. The fungal morphology changed as the fungus penetrated the contact lens. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is the first documented case of fungal invasion of a methafilcon matrix lens and the second histologically documented case of Fusarium invasion of a contact lens.