Clinical Investigation of the Safety and Efficacy of Low-temperature Plasma as an Adjuvant Treatment for Mild to Moderate Fungal Keratitis: A Pilot Study

Abstract

ABSTRACT Purpose This pilot study assessed the safety and efficacy of low-temperature plasma (LTP) as an adjuvant treatment for mild to moderate fungal keratitis (FK). Methods Thirty FK patients were randomized into LTP (n = 15) and control (n = 15) groups. Patients were followed up for 3 months. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), ulcer size, and hypopyon height were measured; healing time or complications were documented and compared. Results More patients in the LTP group healed completely (11/15 in 48 days) compared with the control group (4/15 in 59.5 days), and those patients had a deeper initial ulcer depth and exhibited better BCVA improvements. Four patients failed after LTP treatment due to perforation, increased inflammatory infiltration, or hypopyon; those with more hypopyon were more likely to fail. Conclusions LTP could be a promising adjuvant therapy to topical antifungal drugs for mild to moderate FK.