Corneal Ulcers (Infectious Keratitis)

Abstract

Microbial keratitis is an infectious process that occurs due to the proliferation of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites) and associated inflammation and tissue destruction. Smears and cultures are indicated for the isolation of microorganisms and for making the correct diagnosis and immediate initiation of antimicrobial therapy, especially in cases where corneal infiltrate is chronic, large, deep, or atypical. Microbial keratitis is considered a vision-threatening ocular emergency. Therefore, this chapter, which consists of almost all cases studied before and after treatment, highlights the importance of early recognition, isolation of specific microorganisms, and sensitivity-based therapy. Also, the evaluation of these cases helps to show the appearance of the eye after the therapeutic treatment and demonstrates the emergency of immediate surgery to save the eyeball in cases where medical treatment is ineffective. The authors have summarized the treatment options they have used for bacterial, fungal, acanthamoeba, and herpetic keratitis cases.