Predictors of Post-treatment Visual Improvement After Bacterial Keratitis Infection at a Referral Center in Southern California

Purpose: To evaluate visual outcomes after bacterial keratitis (BK) and identify predictive factors for poor prognosis at a tertiary referral center in Southern California. Methods: This is a cross-sectional retrospective review of patients' medical records with culture-positive BK at University of California Los Angeles from January 1, 2014, to December 31, 2019. Main outcome measure was change in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at 12 weeks posttreatment. Statistical analyses included ANOVA for independent populations, Pearson correlation, and binary logistic regression. P -value 60 years, presence of systemic comorbidities, and presenting BCVA >1.00 log of the minimum angle of resolution as predictors of poor visual outcome. Conclusions: This study provides the largest contemporary analysis of BK in Southern California and establishes a clinically applicable risk stratification model. Older age, systemic comorbidities, and poor presenting vision were independently associated with worse visual outcomes. These findings support earlier identification of high-risk patients, tailored treatment strategies to improve visual prognosis and optimize care delivery in BK.