A study of the pattern and contributory factors of corneal ulcers in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar states of India

The paper aims to study the factors responsible for the incidence and promotion of corneal ulcers in the parts of eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar states of India. 248 patients with corneal ulcers were included in this prospective study from among the patients attending the out patient department of department of ophthalmology of a tertiary care hospital in India. All patients are drawn from the eastern parts of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar states. Patients with any other systemic and ocular diseases were excluded from this study, viral and protozoal corneal ulcers were also excluded. All patients underwent grams staining and potassium hydroxide staining of specimens, all specimens were plated and cultured. Staphylococcus aureus (20.56%) and staphylococcus albus (33.06%), along with pseudomonas and neisseria were bacterial pathogens detected, while fusarium (10.08%) was the chief fungal agent detected. Percentage occurrence in the age groups was the most in the 31-40 year (48.38%). Males (58.33%) were more affected with corneal ulcers than females (40.72%). Rural population (62.50%) was found to be more affected with corneal ulcers than urban (37.50%,), illiterate(69.75%) more affected than literates(30.24%) and labourers(62.50%) more affected than house wives(37.50%), those with low socio economic status (71.31%) and poor hygiene (64.51%) more affected with corneal ulcers than in high socioeconomic status(28.62%) and better hygiene(35.48%). The burden of corneal blindness induced by corneal ulcers lies on the illiterate ,rural, population of eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, and that too largely young and male patients. Agricultural workers especially labourers and those in poor socio-economic conditions and hygiene are more at risk. Prevention with antibiotics and education about the disease may be of help.