Clinical profile of infective keratitis at tertiary eye care hospital Warangal, Telangana

Introduction: Infective Keratitis is most common cause of corneal blindness in Rural India. Agricultural farmers are more at risk. Fungi and Bacteria are the main cause for this ocular ailment. Early diagnosis and treatment may prevent the corneal blindness. Aim: To evaluate common etiological factors causing Infective Keratitis in the region of Northern Telangana. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted at Tertiary Eye Care Hospital, Regional Eye Hospital, Warangal, Telangana State. Fifty patients were admitted with infective keratitis were clinically evaluated. Each case was analysed and results were recorded as per etiology, clinical symptoms and signs, complications and visual outcome. Results: Age group greater than 40 years (58%) were more common with male predominance (54%) was observed. People living rural area (72%) were affected more than urban areas. Agricultural labour (52%) was mostly seen with infective keratitis. Most of the cases were with trauma (62%) with vegetative matter was mostly seen. Most of the cases were acute (78%) in origin. Fungi were most common organism isolated from the cultures. Staphylococcus and Streptococcus (62%) were common species isolated from bacterial origin and they were antibiotic sensitive (92%). Aspergillous was common fungus isolated Diffuse Corneal ulcer was most common complication. Malnutrition was main cause in systemic illness. Most of the patients before treatment were with no passage of light after treatment visual acuity has prognosis to 6/18 vision. Conclusion: Early diagnosis and treatment may improve the visual prognosis and prevent Corneal blindness due to Infective Keratitis.