Study on Demographic Correlates of Corneal Ulcer among Patients Attending the Tertiary Care Hospital of Jharkhand

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Corneal ulcer is one of the important causesfor ocular morbidity in India. Early presentation with promptdiagnosis and treatment result in good visual rehabilitation.Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the etiology ofcorneal ulcer among patients attending the tertiary careteaching hospital of Jharkhand.Material and Methods: This was a prospective observationalhospital-based study conducted at the Department ofOphthalmology, at a tertiary care hospital, in Jharkhand.Data related to socioeconomic status, predisposing factor,and course of disease was collected. Results were analyzedon the basis of history, slit lamp examination, and appropriatelaboratory investigation.Result: During the study period of one year, 1013 patientswith the clinical diagnosis of corneal ulceration wereevaluated, mean age of the patient was 53 years and majorityof patients of infectious keratitis were in between 46 and 60(45%) age group. Incidence in male was higher than (59%)that of female. The left eye was more commonly involved(53%) as compared to the right eye (47%). Farmers (47%)followed by Industrial worker (27%) were most commonoccupation involved. Incidence of fungal keratitis (42%) washigher than bacterial (31%) and viral (11%).Conclusion: Proper diagnosis and management of cornealulcer is very much necessary among exposed population.Incidence of fungal corneal ulcer is very high amongagriculture and industrial workers and lack of awareness andpoor treatment leads to corneal blindness. Use of protectiveeye wear, masks and face shields may play a key role inprevention of the disease