Causes and management of bacterial keratitis in the elderly

The author evaluated 142 patients aged 65 years or older with microbial keratitis. There were relatively high rates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection unassociated with contact lens wear and of Streptococcus pneumoniae infection. The rates of quasicommensal and enteric infections were not proportio...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inCanadian journal of ophthalmology Vol. 24; no. 3; p. 112
Main Author Ormerod, L D
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published England 01.04.1989
Subjects
Adrenal Cortex Hormones - adverse effects
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Contact Lenses
Corneal Diseases - complications
Female
Humans
Keratitis - etiology
Keratitis - therapy
Male
Pseudomonas Infections - complications
Risk Factors
Streptococcal Infections - complications
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Summary:The author evaluated 142 patients aged 65 years or older with microbial keratitis. There were relatively high rates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection unassociated with contact lens wear and of Streptococcus pneumoniae infection. The rates of quasicommensal and enteric infections were not proportionately elevated. Corneal disease, use of topical corticosteroids and use of contact lenses were the main predisposing factors. Patients with diabetes mellitus, dementia or chronic alcoholism appeared to be at higher risk. Trauma was rarely a factor. Complications requiring surgery were common. Corneal perforation developed in 20% of the patients, and endophthalmitis developed in 6%. The elderly often do not tolerate intensive topical antibiotic treatment well. Supplementary subconjunctival antibiotic injections under local anesthesia may be necessary. Corneal tissue glue, tarsorrhaphy and conjunctival flaps are probably underused in this age group.
ISSN:0008-4182
1715-3360