EC Ophthalmology

Purpose: This study characterized the clinical spectrum, treatment patterns, and risk factors of chronic corneal disorders in Eastern India, addressing the scarcity of region-specific data despite high disease burden.

Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted at the RIO, IGIMS, Patna, from August 2023 to April 2024. Three hundred thirty-two adult patients with confirmed chronic corneal diseases were enrolled. Demographic, clinical, and treatment data were collected using structured case report forms and analyzed using SPSS v26.0.

Results: Patients had a mean age of 44.04 ± 20.09 years with male predominance (62.7%). Corneal opacity was most prevalent (43.1%), followed by infective keratitis (39.8%). Fungal keratitis dominated infectious cases (61%), suggesting regional environmental/occupational exposure patterns. Non-infective causes (14.5%) included dry eye (5.7%) and corneal dystrophies. Severe visual impairment (BCVA < 6/60) affected 43.1% at presentation. Post-treatment, 56.3% showed ≥ 2 Snellen line improvement, with dry eye patients achieving highest recovery rates (82.4%) and fungal keratitis showing poorest response (38.1%). Artificial tears were most frequently prescribed (95.9%), followed by antibiotics (52.4%) and antifungals (25.6%). Tobacco use (29.5%) and diabetes-hypertension comorbidity (11.7%) emerged as significant risk factors (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: High regional prevalence of fungal keratitis and corneal opacity necessitates targeted interventions in Eastern India. Variable visual outcomes based on etiology and impact of modifiable risk factors highlight the need for specific prevention strategies and tailored therapeutic approaches to reduce corneal blindness burden in this population.

 Keywords: Corneal Disorders; Fungal Keratitis; Corneal Opacity; BCVA; Risk Factors; Eastern India

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