Abstract

Retrospective study, conducted at South Indian tertiary eye care center from August 2022 to April 2023, assessed clinical outcomes and anti-fungal susceptibility patterns in ocular fungal isolates. Of the 164 isolates, nine underwent susceptibility testing. The cohort had mean age of 51 years (±14.91 SD), with 78% males. Initial visual acuity was 1.87 logMAR and 2.46 logMAR at last follow-up. Resolution took average 9.1 weeks, and 7 patients had therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty. Fungal species included Scedosporium, Lasidiplodia theobromae, Fusarium species, Aspergillus niger, Dematiaceous fungi, Exserohilum rostratum, and Cylindrocarpon species. Their susceptibility varied, with Natamycin being most sensitive and Ketoconazole most resistant. This study emphasizes need for comprehensive prospective trials in diverse regions to define anti-fungal susceptibility patterns accurately, enabling more precise treatments for fungal corneal infections, addressing challenges faced globally.