Keratitis In Rural West Bengal: Risk Factors, Diagnostic Challenges, And Management Strategies

Abstract

The management of keratitis remains a significant challenge globally—particularly in low- and middle-income countries, where healthcare resources are inadequate. Although treatment outcomes have improved significantly in recent times, the condition of many patients continues to deteriorate despite the application of optimal therapeutic regimens. Comprehensive public awareness programs are therefore essential to alert individuals at risk of microbial keratitis and to encourage them to seek prompt medical attention.The objectives of this endeavor are to document cases of various types of infectious and non-infectious keratitis, and to discern the distinctions among their etiologies, clinical signs and symptoms, and complications.The primary objective of this study was to review the outcomes of keratitis treatment. During the course of this study, a total of 261 patients were examined at various optometry clinics in the West Nadia district. Between April 2023 and July 2023, all patients diagnosed with keratitis were enrolled in this study following the acquisition of written informed consent.Patients with corneal disorders other than keratitis—such as ectatic disorders, corneal dystrophies, and corneal degenerations—were excluded from this study. A total of 65 participants were enrolled in the study following the provision of informed consent.A detailed history regarding the participants' ocular and associated systemic conditions, risk factors, and treatment management was recorded. Among the total participants, 54 (83.08%) were affected by infectious keratitis, while only 11 (16.92%) were affected by non-infectious keratitis.Among these participants, fungal keratitis accounted for the highest proportion of total infectious keratitis cases—29.23%. Conversely, regarding non-infectious keratitis, filamentary keratitis represented the highest incidence—7.69%. In this study, the proportion of fungal keratitis was 29.23% (19 cases).61.54 percent of patients suffering from fungal keratitis were agricultural laborers; in this context, injury caused by vegetative matter (vegetative trauma) has been identified as a common predisposing risk factor. Early and accurate diagnosis of the disease is an essential step to prevent future blindness.Fostering proper awareness among the rural population of the western part of Nadia district in West Bengal—particularly among those employed in various agricultural sectors across India—is an extremely necessary step for the prevention of blindness.