Abstract Aims and Objectives: To identify the specific pathogenic organisms risk factors responsible for infection in corneal ulcer patient. Materials and Method: The present study was undertaken on 200 patients of corneal ulcer attending the outpatient department, with special reference to the etiology and predisposing factors, examination in detail for morphological features, microbiological work up, management and follow up. Results: Out of 200 patients, Male:Female ratio was 1.8:1. Most common age group affected was between 31–50 years for all types of infectious keratitis, 45%, 35%, 6% and 14% for bacterial, mycotic, mixed and sterile keratitis respectively. Socio-economically poor classes had 88% of keratitis. Keratitis occurred more frequently in the residents of rural areas 82%. Trauma was found to be the most common predisposing factor accounting for 66.5% followed by chronic dacryocystitis 8.5%. Inferonasal cornea was involved with highest frequency in bacterial and central cornea in fungal keratitis. Staphylococcus epidermidis 37.04% was the most common bacterial isolate followed by staphylococcus aureus 24.07%. Fusarium sp. 33.3% and Aspergillus sp. 33.3% were most common of fungal isolates. Conclusion: Central
corneal ulceration is a common problem in surroundings of Raichur and most often occurs after a superficial corneal injury with organic material. Bacterial keratitis is marginally higher than fungal keratitis. Staphylococcus epidermidis is most common bacterial and Fusarium spp. And aspergillus spp are the most common fungal isolate.
Kaywords: Corneal Ulcer; Bacterial Keratitis; Mycotic Keratitis; Chronic Dacryocystitis