CDC Reports Fungal Outbreak at NYC Laser Eye Clinic Leads to Patient Blindness
Outbreak of fungal infection at laser eye clinic blinds multiple patients, CDC emergency report claims

Image: Mail Online
A fungal outbreak at a laser eye clinic in New York City has resulted in multiple patients suffering vision loss. The CDC reported that three patients contracted infections after LASIK procedures, with one requiring a corneal transplant. The fungus, Purpureocillium lilacinum, was linked to contaminated surgical equipment.
- 01Three patients developed fungal keratitis after LASIK surgery in December 2024.
- 02The fungus Purpureocillium lilacinum was found in cultures from two patients' corneas.
- 03The clinic had significant deficiencies in infection prevention and control practices.
- 04One patient underwent a corneal transplant, but it's unclear if their sight was restored.
- 05No further infections were reported after the clinic improved its infection control measures.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
A recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed a serious fungal outbreak at a laser eye clinic in New York City, resulting in blindness for multiple patients. In December 2024, three individuals contracted fungal keratitis, an infection affecting the cornea, following LASIK procedures. The fungus identified was Purpureocillium lilacinum, which is typically found in various environmental settings. Investigations indicated that the outbreak was likely caused by contaminated surgical equipment, including saline bottles and devices, due to the clinic's inadequate infection prevention and control practices. These deficiencies included incomplete sterilization logs, expired medications, and potential use of non-sterile water. Following the implementation of improved infection control measures, no additional cases were reported. One patient required a corneal transplant, though it remains uncertain whether their vision was restored. The CDC emphasized the importance of recognizing this fungus as a potential risk factor for infections post-eye surgery.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The outbreak raises concerns about patient safety and infection control practices in outpatient surgical settings.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
How concerned are you about infection risks in outpatient surgeries?
Connecting to poll...
More about Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

U.S. Health Officials Criticize Plan to Treat Ebola-Exposed Citizens Abroad
The Star • Jun 2, 2026

Ebola Outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo: 260 Cases Confirmed Amid Testing Expansion
National Post • May 31, 2026

Vaping: A Misguided Perception of Safety Compared to Smoking
Deccan Herald • May 30, 2026
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.





