Can a fungal infection from the hands be transferred to the eye

[me_please]

I was just diagnosed with a fungal infection in my hands, like athletes foot of the hands. I think I originally got this 4-5 years ago and never got the right help for it. Also 4-5 years ago, I started having inflammation and other problems with my left eye. And it seems to get worse when my hands get worse (don't know if it is a placebo effect). Anyway, since I probably touch my eyes with my hands every day, is it possible that this fungal infection was spread to my eye? I ask because I have not been able to find a doctor or anything that helps with my eye, and I have a doctor appointment tomorrow and will get her opinion, but I am curious now as to if it is possible. Thanks!

[Doreen Fazio, M.D.]

It is possible but not likely.  Fungal infections of the eye are usually caused by corneal abrasions with plant matter, such as an abrasion caused by a tree branch or leaf.  Serious fungal corneal infections can also result from soft contact lens wear.  Your ophthalmologist will be able to detect a corneal infection immediately on exam; most likely, the eye inflammation you have is not due to a fungus, but to another more easily treated condition.

[Lucy65]

I was able to kill Blepharitis in my eyes. The product I used says it does fungus too.
It will only kill it in the eyelash area and eyelid area. In the eye will require drops from the Dr.(possible antibiotics).
My friend's Blepharitis moved up onto her eyelids so she used an Avon Facial Scrub (can't find it any longer) that had Benzethonium Chloride in it.
I looked on line for other products. Ended up using WET ONES, antibacterial hand wipes in the red box. They are wrapped individually.
I tore each one into 8 pieces and rubbed each eyelash area 2 times 4 times a day. After a week and a half I went down to 3 times a day for a month. Felt better so could do that. After that I went down to 2 times a day for several months.  I quit doing it and only once or twice did I itch and then used the wipes for a day and then gone.
There were 3 Dr.'s who looked into my eyes and could not find it, including the Dr. who diagnosed the Blepharitis.
I also was able to wear mascara and eye shadow. If you need that info let me know.
Important too is the fact that you need to wash each eye (including taking off eye makeup) with a separate wash rag. I used white to put into a bleach load. You do not want to re-infect your eyes.
Please remember that 2 people using 2 different products with the same Benzethonium Chloride in it killed this. This takes a long time as deep in the roots of the eyelashes and it can spread.
If it is fungal it will take a long time too.
I blogged to a Dr. and he asked me if I rinsed my eyes after and I said NO.
I do use eye drops 6 times a day for dryness. The Dr. said to use Flax and Fish Oil capsules and to use a warm rag on the eyes in the morning to get things moving.
Hope this offers you some help and relief soon.
Lucy65