Clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of infectious Corneal ulcers in a teaching Hospital: A hospital-based observational study.

Dr R   Prameela; Dr. Shaik Mohammed Pervaiz   Hussain

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i12.2309

Authors

Dr . R. Prameela Associate Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, Sarojini Devi Eye Hospital, Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
Dr. Shaik Mohammed Pervaiz Hussain Associate Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, Sarojini Devi Eye Hospital, Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad, Telangana, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i12.2309

Keywords:

Infectious corneal ulcer, microbial keratitis, ocular trauma, treatment outcome, visual acuity

Abstract

Background:
Infectious corneal ulcers remain a leading cause of ocular morbidity and preventable blindness, particularly in developing countries. Delayed presentation, occupational exposure, and limited access to early ophthalmic care contribute to poor outcomes.

Objectives:
To evaluate the demographic characteristics, predisposing risk factors, clinical and microbiological features, and treatment outcomes of patients with infectious corneal ulcers presenting to a tertiary-care teaching hospital.

Methods:
This hospital-based observational study was conducted in the Department of Ophthalmology, Regional Eye Hospital, Kakatiya Medical College, Warangal, Telangana, India, from July 2023 to June 2024. A total of 100 consecutive patients with clinically diagnosed infectious corneal ulcers were included. Detailed history, slit-lamp examination, and corneal scraping for microbiological analysis were performed in all cases. Patients were managed with appropriate topical antimicrobial therapy based on clinical suspicion and culture sensitivity, where available. Treatment outcomes and visual acuity were assessed during follow-up.

Results:
The majority of patients were aged 31–60 years (56%), with a male predominance (64%) and rural background (58%). Ocular trauma was the most common predisposing factor, particularly vegetative matter injury (38%). Central corneal involvement was observed in 46% of cases, and moderate-sized ulcers (2–5 mm) were most frequent (47%). Hypopyon was present in 29% of patients. Microbiological evaluation revealed bacterial etiology in 52% of cases, fungal infection in 34%, mixed infection in 6%, and culture-negative ulcers in 8%. Favorable anatomical outcomes were achieved in 80% of patients, while complications occurred in 20%. Visual improvement following treatment was noted in 62% of cases.

Conclusion:
Infectious corneal ulcers predominantly affect middle-aged males from rural areas, with ocular trauma as the principal risk factor. Early diagnosis and timely, appropriate antimicrobial therapy significantly improve clinical and visual outcomes.

Recommendations:

Strengthen community awareness, promote early referral, ensure routine microbiological testing, and develop region-specific treatment protocols to reduce corneal blindness.

Author Biography

Dr . R. Prameela , Associate Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, Sarojini Devi Eye Hospital, Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad, Telangana, India

MBBS, MS, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology at Sarojini Devi Eye Hospital, Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad, Telangana, India. She completed her MBBS followed by an MS in Ophthalmology and is actively engaged in tertiary eye-care services and academic teaching of undergraduate and postgraduate trainees. Her clinical interests include comprehensive ophthalmology with a focus on early detection and management of glaucoma, anterior segment disorders, and evidence-based ophthalmic practice. She has contributed to clinical research and academic activities aimed at strengthening diagnostic precision and improving visual outcomes in high-volume public hospital settings. ORCID iD: https://orcid.org/0009-0003-5205-2451

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