ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the prevalence of mycotic keratitis in different countries, and identifies the most prevalent species and risk factors found in different studies. Classic characteristic features of mycotic keratitis include infiltrates with feathery edges, satellite lesions, endothelial plaque and hypoyon. Mycotic keratitis is a challenging condition. Local epidemiological patterns of corneal infections are crucial to improve clinical diagnosis and therapeutic strategies, since the behavior of keratitis is dynamic and causative organisms possibly change over time. Epidemiological information is therefore essential to develop an evidence-based approach for diagnosis and treatment of this sight-threatening condition and to develop prevention strategies by identifying modifiable risk factors. Continuously updating epidemiological data is crucial to better understand infections features and mechanisms as well as to provide prompt and correct management, once corneal culture remains the gold standard for diagnosis and its results may delay several days in fungal infections.
