Causes of Corneal Blindness: A Multi-Center Retrospective Review
Pinnita Prabhasawat MD*, Kanok-orn Trethipwanit MD*, Nualjira Prakairungthong MD**, Sudarat Narenpitak MD***, Sunsern Jaruroteskulchai MD****, Jirapas Anantachai MD*
Affiliation : * Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok ** Department of Ophthalmology, Mettapracharak Hospital, Nakhon Pathom *** Department of Ophthalmology, Sappasitthiprasong Hospital, Ubon Ratchathani **** Department of Ophthalmology, Ban Mi Hospital, Lop Buri
Objective : To assess prevalence and causes of corneal blindness in four hospitals in Thailand and to compare
the causes between hospitals.
Materials and Methods : A retrospective chart review of six hundred and sixty four patients records with best-
corrected visual acuity not better than 6/60 in at least one eye due to corneal disease in Siriraj, Mettapracharak,
Sappasitthiprasong and Banmee Hospitals in a one-year period were reviewed. The collected data included
age, sex, laterality, causes of corneal blindness, and prognosis.
Results : Seven hundred and sixty nine eyes with corneal blindness and a median age of 55.0 years were
reviewed. Leading causes of cornea blindness were corneal infection (35.6%), surgical bullous keratopathy
(27.8%), and trauma (14.0%). The prevalence at Siriraj Hospital was 1.7% (498/28,728 patients). Most of the
treatable cases (84.6%) underwent penetrating keratoplasty procedures and 73% of patients had a chance of
recovery.
Conclusion : Corneal infection and surgical bullous keratopathy were the leading causes of corneal blindness.
Keywords : Corneal blindness, Corneal infection, Surgical bullous keratopathy, Traumatic leukoma, Penetrating keratoplasty
