Clinical study and management of the fungal corneal ulceration

Abstract

Background: The corneal infection of fungal etiology is very common and comprising at least 50% of all culture-positive cases in India. Diagnosis and treatment of fungal corneal ulcers can be quite challenging because of the delay in seeking medical attention due to reduced symptoms in mycotic corneal ulcer and the limited antifungal agents available for ocular use and the deeper extent to which they can penetrate the corneal tissue.

Materials and Methods: A study of 80 cases of fungal corneal ulcers was conducted in General Hospital attached to Medical College. A detailed history was taken and a thorough ocular and systemic examination were done. Microbiological work-up of corneal scrapings was done in all patients. All patients were given necessary topical and systemic antifungal drugs, antiglaucoma drugs, cycloplegics, and surgical treatment wherever needed by different consultants and followed up for a period of 8 weeks.

Results: At the time of presentation 45% of patients had received different medications especially without microbiological workup. All patients were KOH positive and among them, 65% were culture positive. Different topical treatment combinations were used among them natamycin 5% suspension was used in all patients. Therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty and the conjunctival flap was done in one patient each.

Conclusion: Agricultural activity and vegetative matter trauma was the commonest predisposing factor. Following treatment 77.5% ulcers healed with a visually significant corneal opacity, 20 % had perforation all of which were ulcers with full-thickness corneal involvement. In one non-healing ulcer penetrating keratoplasty was done.