Fungus: how to prevent growth and remove it from optical components

In its initial stages, fungus, as pictured in Figure 1, may not be perceivable by the clinician. However, over time the fungus will cover the lens surface in a web-like manner, initially causing a very slight loss of image brightness, followed by decreased contrast due to light reflecting off the fungus. In its final stages, the fungus etches the outer coatings of the lens and image sharpness deteriorates.