Corneal ulcer at Siriraj Hospital.

ABSTRACT

One hundred and five cases of corneal ulcers occurring from 1989 to 1990 at Siriraj Hospital were analysed retrospectively for causative organisms and predisposing factors. The average age was 39.0 years. Males and females were equally affected. The most common occupation was farming. The most common predisposing cause of ulceration was corneal trauma, usually with organic agricultural materials. 22.9 percent of cases had predisposing factors such as exophthalmos, lagophtalmos, entropion, contact lenses wear, etc. Ninety-two percent of the patients had been treated before presentation. Positive results from Gram stains and cultures were obtained from 58 and 51 percent of corneal scrapings, respectively. Bacterial, fungal, mioxed and unknown causes of corneal ulcers were 53.3, 24.8, 10.5, and 11.4 percent, respectively. The commonly isolated bacteria were Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Micrococcus, and fungi were Aspergillus species and Cladosporium species. Ten eyes were enucleated or limit corneal scar and minimize visual loss.