Factors Associated with Vision Impairment in Patients with Corneal Infection at a Secondary Hospital in Thailand

Objective: To examine factors associated with vision impairment (VI) in patients with corneal infections at the end of treatment. Materials and Methods: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted by reviewing the medical records of all patients with corneal infections treated by ophthalmologists at Phichit Medical Education Center, Faculty of Medicine, Naresuan University, a secondary hospital in Thailand between July 1, 2021, and June 30, 2023, a two year period. Results: Eighty-seven patients were included in the study, and included 57 males and 30 females, with an average age of 50 years. Of these, 36.8% contracted corneal infections due to agricultural work. The majority of infections were caused by bacteria, in 55.2%, followed by fungi, in 31.0%, and protozoa for 13.8%. Additionally, 16.7% of patients required referral to tertiary hospitals due to uncontrolled infections, and 6.9% needed enucleation to prevent further infection, all due to bacterial infections. After treatment, 35.5% of patients experienced VI, including 17.2% with blindness. Significant factors associated with VI were a longer duration before treatment (p=0.027) and blindness at initial presentation (p=0.001). Conclusion: VI after the treatment of corneal infections was prevalent. The duration before treatment and the initial level of vision loss were significant predictors of outcomes. Early detection, timely intervention, and prompt referral in rural areas are essential to prevent long-term disability.