¡¡¡¡Severe complications were seen in 8% of cases, which is lower than in other reported studies in the literature; 16.9% by Reddy et al[5] and 24% by Ormerod et al[12]. The rate of healing into a scar was 88%, comparable to 80% in the study by Reddy et al[5]. The evisceration and enucleation rate of 3.5% was comparable to the 2% range reported in another series[12]. Most failures of therapy occurred in patients with advanced ulcers at the time of presentation, either due to existing predisposing conditions or because of late presentation.

¡¡¡¡Based on the findings of this study, where contact lens wear is a significant ocular risk factor in the development of corneal ulcers, appropriate education about lens care and hygiene among wearers should be emphasized. They should be advised to seek early and appropriate treatment if eye infection or trauma occurs and to avoid contact lens usage. Medical practitioners should have a higher level of suspicion of corneal infection in this group.

¡¡¡¡CONCLUSION

¡¡¡¡Contact lens wear is the most common predisposing factor for corneal ulcers, followed by trauma. They mostly occur in the younger population. Ocular surface diseases is an association in the older population and usually results in poorer visual prognosis. Gram negative microbes (68%) were more prevalent than gram positive organisms. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most frequently isolated bacteria in every ocular risk factor group.

¡¡¡¡¡¾²Î¿¼ÎÄÏס¿

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