AIM: To retrospectively analyze the effects of sodium hyaluronate in treating fungal corneal ulcer.

METHODS: Since June, 2006, there were 178 patients(178 eyes)with fungal corneal ulcer receiving medical treatment in our hospital. Among them, 81 patients(81 eyes)as the control group received the traditional antifungal treatment with the natamycin and fluconazole being the major medicine, from June 2006 to June 2008. While, 97 patients(97 eyes)as the treatment group received sodium hyaluronate treatment based on traditional antifungal treatment during the period of June 2008 to March 2010. Effects of two therapeutic methods were compared and analyzed.

RESULTS: Of the 97 cases in the treatment group, the average hospital stay was: 14.15±4.23d, with 90 cases(92.8%)cured, 5 cases(5.2%)improved, 2 cases(2.1%)ineffective, the final visual acuity of 51.6% patients better than 0.3. Of the 81 cases in the control group, average hospital stay was: 17.26±6.23d, with 69 cases(85.2%)cured, 7 cases(8.6%)improved, 5 cases(6.2%)ineffective, the final visual acuity of 39.5% patients better than 0.3. After statistical analysis, the average hospital stay, the cure rate, the effective rate and the final visual acuity in both groups showed statistically significant difference(P<0.05). The average hospital stay of the treatment group was shorter than that of the control group, while the cure rate and effective rate and the final visual acuity was better than that of the control group.

CONCLUSION: Sodium hyaluronate can promote fungal corneal ulcer healing, improve the cure rate and reduce the formation of corneal scar.