Incidence of various causes of infectious keratitis in the part of rural central India and its visual morbidity: Prospective hospital-based observational study

Introduction: Infectious keratitis is potential causes for vision loss in India. Early recognition with prompt diagnosis and rapid institution of appropriate therapy will significantly improve visual prognosis. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of various causes of infectious keratitis in this part of rural central India, predisposing factor and visual morbidity. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective observational hospital-based study conducted at the Department of Ophthalmology, at a tertiary care hospital, in the part of rural central India. Data related to socioeconomic status, predisposing factor, and course of disease was collected. Results were analyzed on the basis of history, slit lamp examination, and appropriate laboratory investigation. Results: During the period of January 2015 to February 2017 total 680 patients were examined in cornea specialty clinic, of which 88 were diagnosed with infective keratitis and were included in the study. Majority of patients of infectious keratitis were in between 41 and 60 (41%) age group followed by 21–40 (23%) and incidence in male was higher (61%) as compared to female. Prevalence of Fungal keratitis (59.09%) was higher than bacterial (19.31%) and viral (17.04%) in this part of India. Ocular trauma and occupational accidents were the most common (42%) among farmer. Majority of corneal ulcer (68%) healed, 11% had no change in ulcer status, 4% was progressed, and 10% perforated. About 53% had stable best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) as compared to BCVA at the time of presentation and in 34% BCVA improved. Conclusion: Incidence of fungal corneal ulcer is higher among various causes of infectious keratitis in this part of rural central India. Agricultural injuries are the main predisposing factor for infectious keratitis in this region. Prompt diagnosis and early appropriate treatment on the basis of laboratory investigation can helps the community to reduce the burden of corneal blindness