Prevalence of Fungal Corneal Ulcers in a Tertiary Eye Care Centre

Abstract

Fungal corneal ulcer is common in India due to the tropical climate and a large agrarian population that is at risk. Various factors such as trauma,the injudicious use of topical  antibiotics and corticosteroids are involved. Many of age and sex –related risk factors also play a minor role. This 15 months study from visakhapatnam revealed that that fungi were detected in 78 (11.14%) out of 700 patients investigated In O.P.                                                                                                                                                 

Direct microscopy was positive in 80 (11.42%) and culture in 78(7.3%) patients.  Aspergillus spp.were the most common causative agents accounting for 28(35.89%) of the isolates, followed by fusarium spp with 22(28.20%) curvullaria sp.With 14 (17.94%), penicillium sp.with 4(5.10%),alternaria sp 4(5.10%) Acremonium sp.4 (5.10%),cladosporium with 2(2.55%) Isolates. The prevalence of fungal ulcers in males was three times higher than in females. The affected individuals had a rural background and were in the 51-60 year age group.