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Updated: Apr 19, 2026
Establishing a Porcine Ex Vivo Cornea Model for Studying Drug Treatments against Bacterial Keratitis
Published on: May 12, 2020
Community practice patterns for bacterial corneal ulcer evaluation and treatment.
Jennifer Park1, Kim M Lee, Helen Zhou
1Albert Einstein College of Medicine (J.P., K.M.L., M.R., K.J., W.B.B.), Bronx, NY; State University of New York Downstate College of Medicine (H.Z.), Brooklyn, NY; Departments of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (K.J., D.C.G.); and Epidemiology and Population Health (D.C.G.), Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY.
Cornea specialists utilize more diagnostic testing and fortified antibiotics for severe bacterial keratitis compared to general ophthalmologists. Further research is needed to confirm visual outcomes with different bacterial keratitis treatments.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Bacterial keratitis is a serious eye infection requiring prompt and appropriate management.
- Current practice patterns among U.S. ophthalmologists for bacterial keratitis are not fully characterized.
- Understanding differences between cornea specialists and general ophthalmologists can inform best practices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine current practice patterns in bacterial keratitis management among U.S. ophthalmologists.
- To identify differences in management and opinions between cornea specialists and non-cornea specialists.
Main Methods:
- A national online survey was distributed to 1701 randomly selected ophthalmologists in July 2011.
- The survey collected data on diagnostic testing frequency, treatment preferences, and opinions on antibiotic efficacy.
- Respondents reported on monthly corneal ulcer cases, Gram staining, culturing, and antibiotic choices for varying ulcer severities.
Main Results:
- A response rate of 28.6% (486 surveys) was achieved.
- Gram staining and culturing were underutilized; cornea specialists were more likely to perform these diagnostics.
- Cornea specialists preferentially prescribed fortified broad-spectrum antibiotics for severe ulcers and viewed fourth-generation fluoroquinolones as less effective than fortified options for severe cases.
Conclusions:
- Significant differences exist in bacterial keratitis management between cornea specialists and non-cornea specialists.
- Cornea specialists demonstrate a greater tendency towards diagnostic workup and aggressive antibiotic therapy for severe infections.
- Prospective studies are warranted to evaluate visual outcomes associated with differential treatment strategies for bacterial keratitis.
