Evaluation Of Therapeutic Modalities And Outcome In Patients Of Infectious Keratitis: A Prospective Observational Study At A Tertiary Care Eye Hospital

ABSTRACT

Background:Among corneal diseases, microbial keratitis is a major blinding disease.Objectives: To study the disease pattern and aetiology, to evaluate drug use pattern and the therapeutic outcome in Infectious Keratitis patients.Material And Methods:Prospective observational follow up study was carried out for 16 weeks. IEC permission and Written Informed Consent fr om the patients were taken before hand. Patients above 18 years of age and of either gender presenting to Outpatient department of Ophthalmology and diagnosed with Infectious Keratitis were included in the study. Patient's demographic details, diagnosis and the complete prescription were recorded in a case record form.Result:A total of 150 patients wereenrolled. Infectious Keratitis was prevalent in age group of 61–70 years (39.33%). Bacterial keratitis (52%) was the most common type followed by fungal (42%) and Viral keratitis (5%). A total of 17(11.33%) patients needed surgical intervention. At the last follow up 61(40.66%) patients had improved vision. There was a significant statistical difference found between age groups of <65 years and >65years for keratitis outcome. Improvement in vision (p=0.0264) & slit lamp findings (p=0.0148) were seen in younger age group.Conclusion:Bacterial keratitis was the most common cause of Infectious keratitis. Trauma was the commonest factor found majority of cases. Younger age group had better visual outcome.