Resistant corneal ulcers in a tertiary care ophthalmic center in Egypt: 10 years epidemiological study.

Aim: To investigate the magnitude of problem caused by resistant corneal ulcers and its epidemiological characteristics.

Methods: Patients with corneal lesions were selected and carefully examined and cases with resistant corneal ulcers were further investigated and data were recorded using a specific data sheet designed in hospital. Then, collected data from patients were statistically analyzed.

Results: Totally 1939 cases were included in the study, including 816 fungal cases (42.1%) and 1123 (57.9%) non-fungal cases. Age of the participants ranged from 18 to 73y. Fungal cases were more common in middle age (35-55y). Men were more affected (53.5%) of cases included in the study. Keratomycosis affected more unskilled personnel (75.1%), large families with small houses (higher crowding index 73.9%), rural (64.5%) residence. Patients with sanitary water sources (34.8%) and waste disposal (24.4%) were less affected.

Conclusion: Keratomycosis is more frequent in unskilled personnel, rural locations, outdoor water sources and insanitary waste disposal systems. Corneal trauma and contact lens are common risk factors.