What can occur after fungal death in a corneal infection?

• A. Increased intraocular pressure
• B. Corneal thinning
• C. Uveitis/corneal inflammation can increase
• D. Systemic fever

Answer: (C)

When fungi die in a corneal infection, their debris and cell-wall components are released into the eye, triggering the local immune system. This surge of fungal antigens stimulates inflammatory cells in the cornea and the anterior uvea, leading to increased uveitis and corneal inflammation. Clinically you may see more anterior chamber reaction (flare and cells) and corneal edema, and sometimes hypopyon as the immune response ramps up. Other options are less likely to be direct consequences of fungal death: increased intraocular pressure can occur secondarily from inflammation but isn’t the immediate hallmark of die-off; systemic fever is unlikely with a localized ocular infection; and corneal thinning is usually a result of active infection and stromal destruction rather than the death of the fungus itself.