Use of chlorhexidine gluconate for fungal keratitis in iraq

Abstract AR

Objectives :To determine the efficacy of chlorhexidine gluconate eyedrops in the management of fungal keratitis in Iraq.

Methods: Sixteen successive patients with culture proven fungal keratitis were admitted to IbnAl- Haetham Eye Hospital in Baghdad and treated with chlorhexidine gluconate eye drops which had been prepared at the Pharmacy College of the University of Baghdad.

At first, 0.2% concentration of eye-drops was used, but if signs of irritation occurred the concentration was diluted to 0.l% .

Results: Two patients with early fungal keratitis had a good response on chlorhexidine eye-drops 0.l% and were completely cured within 3 weeks.

The ulcers of these two patients were not severe because they had been infected recently and diagnosed early.

The type of fungus was Aspergillus spp.

Cenclusions : Chlorhexidine gluconate eye drops may have a place in the management of non-severe cases of fungal keratitis if specific antifungal eye-drops are not available.