ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Serratia marcescens keratitis is relatively common among the various bacterial corneal infections and has been known to be associated with contact lens wear. The authors performed a study to identify the risk factors, clinical features and treatment results. METHODS: Epidemiologic study was prospectively performed under the identical protocol from May 1995 to April 2000 in 11 hospitals. RESULTS: Twenty cases of Serratia marcescens keratitis were diagnosed. Contact lens wear was involved in Serratia marcescens keratitis in 90%. The highest age prevalence was in the thirties(45%). The majority of them were students(30%) and office workers(30%). CONCLUSIONS: The principle risk factor of Serratia marcescens keratitis in this study was contact lens wear. The proper use of contact lens and education on it's complications may play an important role in reducing the incidence rate of Serratia marcescens keratitis.