Etiological Profile and Clinical Outcomes of Corneal Ulcers in a Tertiary Care Hospital Population: A Prospective Observational Study

Abstract

Background: Corneal ulcers are a significant cause of ocular morbidity and preventable blindness, particularly in developing regions. The
etiological spectrum and clinical outcomes vary with geography, climate, occupational exposure, and access to eye care. Region-specific prospective
data are essential to guide early diagnosis, management, and prevention strategies.
Aim: To evaluate the etiological profile, predisposing factors, and clinical outcomes of corneal ulcers among patients presenting to a tertiary
care referral hospital in Bihar with ANMMCH gayaji Bihar.
Methodology: This prospective observational study was conducted over six months included randomly selected patients presenting to
the outpatient department with clinically diagnosed corneal ulcers were enrolled. Detailed demographic and clinical data were recorded.
Comprehensive ocular examination and microbiological evaluation, including corneal scraping for smear and culture, were performed. Patients
were treated as per standard protocols and followed up to assess healing, complications, and visual outcomes.
Results: A total of 120 patients were included, with a predominance of rural, working-age males. Ocular trauma, particularly with vegetative
matter, was the most common risk factor. Fungal keratitis emerged as the most frequent etiology, followed by bacterial keratitis. Visual
improvement was observed in over half of the patients, while poorer outcomes and complications were more common in fungal ulcers and
cases with delayed presentation.
Conclusion: Corneal ulcers in Bihar are largely trauma-related and fungal in origin, with delayed presentation contributing to adverse outcomes.
Early referral, prompt microbiological diagnosis, and targeted therapy are vital to reduce vision-threatening complications.