Global Epidemiology 

Fungal keratitis is known to be prevalent in many countries around the world, but until recently very little epidemiological research has been conducted in Africa, Asia, and Central/South America to calculate its global incidence.

We undertook a systematic literature review from January, 1946 to July, 2019, analysing all papers on the incidence of fungal keratitis, after which 187 papers from 50 countries were selected as valid for the study.

We estimated that the global incidence of fungal keratitis is more than one million cases per year worldwide, with the highest rates in Asia and Africa.

Knowing this incidence is an important step in spreading awareness of the issue, advocating for funding and planning services for treatment.

Publication

The global incidence and diagnosis of fungal keratitis. Brown, Lottie et al.
The Lancet Infectious Diseases, Volume 21, Issue 3. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1473-3099(20)30448-5