Contact Lens Induced Corneal Ulcer Management in a Tertiary Eye Unit in Oman - A descriptive study

Journal Title: Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal - Year 2008, Vol 8, Issue 3

Abstract

Te corneal disease is a priority problem in Oman. We present patients with contact lens (CL) induced severe keratitis, admitted in the corneal unit of Al Nahdha Hospital in Oman. Methods: Te study was conducted in 2005-2006. Ophthalmologists examined the eyes using slit lamp bio-microscope. Visual acuity was noted using Snellenâ€™s distance vision chart. Specimens of corneal scraping and CLs were sent for culture and sensitivity tests. Patients with severe keratitis were admitted and treated with medicines. Corneal and visual statuses were noted at the time of discharge from hospital and after six weeks. Numbers, percentages and their 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Pre- and post-treatment vision were compared using a scattergram. Results: Te 52 eyes of ï›œ5 males and 37 female patients with corneal ulcers were examined. Tirty-two patients were between 20 to 30 years of age. Only ï›œ3 (25%) patients had visited an ophthalmologist within 24 hours of developing severe keratitis. Seventeen (33%) had central ulcers and six (ï›œï›œ.5%) had ulcer â‰¥5 mm in size. Pseudomonas was found in 29 (55.8%) of CL and corneal material scraped from the eyes of ï›œ5 (28.8%) patients. Vision was <6/60 (legally blind) in ï›œ2 (23.ï›œ%) eyes before and in five (9.6%) eyes after treatment. Twenty-six (50%) patients were lost to follow up. Conclusion: CL related severe keratitis causes visual disabilities. Prevention and proper records are essential. Treatment improves vision and hence facilities for management should be strengthened.

Authors and Affiliations

Rikin Shah| Department of Ophthalmology, Al Nahdha Hospital, Ministry of Health, Muscat, Oman, Manali Shah| Department of Ophthalmology, Al Nahdha Hospital, Ministry of Health, Muscat, Oman, Rajiv Khandekar| Eye & Ear Health Care, Department of Control of NonCommunicable Disease, Directorate General Health Affairs, Ministry of Health, Oman, Abdulatif Al-Raisi| Department of Ophthalmology, Al Nahdha Hospital, Ministry of Health, Muscat, Oman

Keywords

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