Symptoms of ocular histoplasmosis syndrome
Ocular histoplasmosis syndrome (OHS) usually has no symptoms in its early stages; the initial OHS infection usually subsides without the need for treatment. This is true for other histo infections; in fact, often the only evidence that the inflammation ever occurred are tiny scars called "histo spots," which remain at the infection sites.
Histo Spots
Histo spots do not generally affect vision, but for reasons that are still not well understood, they can result in complications years--sometimes even decades--after the original eye infection. Histo spots have been associated with the growth of the abnormal blood vessels underneath the retina.
In later stages, OHS symptoms may appear if the abnormal blood vessels cause changes in vision. For example, straight lines may appear crooked or wavy, or a blind spot may appear in the field of vision.
Because these symptoms indicate that OHS has already progressed enough to affect vision, anyone who has been exposed to histoplasmosis and perceives even slight changes in vision should consult an eye care professional.
