Stromal Keratitis among Herpes Simplex Keratitis Patients in a Tertiary Eye Hospital: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

INTRODUCTION: The manifestations of herpes simplex virus keratitis range from epithelial keratitis to vision-threatening stromal keratitis. There are limited studies done on our part regarding stromal keratitis. The aim of the study was to find out the prevalence of stromal keratitis among herpes simplex keratitis patients in a tertiary eye hospital. METHODS: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among patients who presented with herpes simplex virus keratitis in a tertiary eye hospital between 1 January 2020 to 28 February 2022. Ethical clearance was taken from Ethical Review Board (Reference number: 1/2079/80). Data was collected from hospital records which was reviewed and visual acuity at presentation and at one-month follow-up, clinical details on examination were recorded and, diagnosis of the stage of disease given in the case record was noted. Convenience sampling was used. Point estimate and 95% Confidence Interval were calculated. RESULTS: Among 112 Herpes simplex keratitis patients, the prevalence of stromal keratitis was 38 (33.93%) (25.16-42.70, 95% Confidence Interval). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of stromal keratitis among patients of herpes simplex keratitis was similar to studies conducted in similar settings.