Title: Clinical profile and visual morbidity of patients with infectious keratitis in rural area of Pawapuri, Bihar, India: A hospital based prospective study

Authors: Dr Dev Kant, Dr Jyoti Kumari, Dr Arun Kumar Sinha, Dr Sharfuddin Ahmad

 DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v7i6.190

Abstract

Objectives: This present study was to evaluate the clinical and investigative profile and visual morbidity of patients of infectious keratitis in rural area of Pawapuri, Bihar, India.

Methods: A total of 100 cases of infectious keratitis with irrespective to age and gender were enrolled in this study. A detail history, clinical examinations and relevant investigation were performed to all patients of infectious keratitis. Best Corrected Visual Acuity (BCVA) was observed. All patients were evaluated on slit lamp to record the size, depth, and location of ulcer along with an examination of margins, floor, and infiltrations.

Results: Data was analyzed by using simple statistical methods with the help of MS-Office software.

Conclusions: Middle age group male populations were commonly suffered with infectious keratitis. Farmers were greatly infected. Most common pathogens of infectious keratitis were fungal in rural area population. Aspergillus and fusarium are the most common fungal pathogens were isolated. Infectious keratitis patients from rural area were commonly used steroid without the supervision of Ophthalmologist. Among vision threatening patients, perforation were commonly seen. Majorities of cases had gained corneal healing. And least number of cases was deteriorated due to poor follow up and ignorance of treatment. Promotion of protective goggles use while farming/house hold work, prompt medical supervision and early appropriate treatment can help the community to reduce the burden of corneal blindness. Necessary steps should be taken to avoid injudicious of steroids in infectious keratitis.

Keywords: Infectious keratitis, rural area, farmer, BCVA, steroids.

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Corresponding Author

Dr Dev Kant

Senior Resident, Department of Ophthalmology, VIMS, Pawapuri, Bihar, India