ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the clinical signs to identify in order to make a presumptive diagnosis of mycotic keratitis followed by predictors of prognosis. If diagnosis of mycotic keratitis is made quickly, it increases chances of visual recovery. After obtaining a detailed clinical history searching for pre-disposing factors a thorough clinical examination is required. Mycotic ulcers tend to have worse outcomes than bacterial ulcers. One study found that fungal infections were three times more frequent in patients requiring penetrating keratoplasty compared to bacterial keratitis. The importance of geographical influence on the prevalence of the severe infection must be considered when considering the possibility of diagnosis of mycotic keratitis. Prognosis can be worst if treatment is delayed as ulcer severity correlates with worse visual outcomes. Patients with keratitis usually present with a sudden onset of pain, photophobia, discharge, reduced vision and an inflamed eye.
