Clinical Aspect and Prognosis of Alternaria Keratitis

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To investigate the risk factor, clinical manifestations, treatment results, and prognosis in Alternaria keratitis. METHODS: Thirteen eyes of 13 patients who were diagnosed as Alternaria species by corneal smear and culture were included. The past history, visual acuity, location and size of ulceration, hypopyon, treatment results, and prognosis were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: Nine (69.2%) were women, and 4 were men. The mean age was 65.23+/-8.70 years. Eleven eyes (84.6%) had previous history of corneal traumas by soil or plant material. In 7 eyes (53.8%), the lesions were located at the corneal center. The average size of ulceration was 13.90+/-21.80 mm2. Four eyes (30.8%) had hypopyon. The initial visual acuity was less than 0.1 in 10 eyes (76.9%). The final visual acuity improved more than 2 lines in 10 eyes (76.9%) and more than 1 line in 12 eyes (92.3%), and did not change in 1 eye (7.7%). The treatment success was achieved in 12 eyes (92.3%). CONCLUSIONS: Early diagnosis and specific antifungal treatments of Alternaria keratitis can lead to a good prognosis.