Evaluation of Treatment and Management of Corneal Bacterial Ulcers – A Cross Sectional Study from Saudi Arabia

Objectives: To study the current practice patterns and opinions in the treatment of corneal bacterial ulcers among Saudi ophthalmologists. Methods: A web-based online survey was conducted in Saudi Arabia to randomly selected ophthalmologists who were registered with Saudi commission for health specialties during the study period between August 2018 to December 2018 using a structured self-administered questionnaire. Results: Of the respondents, general ophthalmologists were 32 (58.2%) and cornea specialists were 23 (41.8%). The mean years of practice was 6.6±6.1 [mean±SD]. Among the respondents 53 (96.4%) treated corneal ulcer cases, most of them 51 (92.7%) agreed there is a relation between the use of contact lenses and ocular ulcers. Fifty respondents indicated that they prescribed antibiotics for the treatment of corneal ulcer. About 12 (52.2%) of the cornea specialist and 22 (68.8%) of general ophthalmologists prefer to use culture of ulcer (Scrapping and gram staining of ulcer) diagnostic tests prior to treatment of corneal ulcers. Fortified antibiotic used was given higher advantage and the management of ocular ulcers differed according to the severity of each case. Conclusion: In conclusion, results found that the management of corneal ulcers varies from specialist to general ophthalmologist. All the respondents agreed that they prescribed two broad spectrum antibiotics to treat an advanced corneal ulcer. Additionally, most of the respondents believed that fourth generation fluoroquinolones were less effective in comparison to fortified, broad-spectrum antibiotics. Key words: Corneal bacterial ulcers, Antibiotics, Fluoroquinolones, Broad spectrum antibiotics, Fortified antibiotics.