Materials and Methods: The medical records of 34 eyes with bacterial keratitis in 34 children were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic features, predisposing factors, clinical features of the infi ltration, bacteriologic culture results, and treatment outcomes were analyzed.

Results: The male to female ratio was 1.8:1. The mean age at presentation was 7.3±5.5 years (0.5-16 years). The most common detectable predisposing factor was trauma (38.2%). Four (25%) of 16 cases in which corneal swaps were obtained for pathogen analyses, were culture positive. Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus was observed in three cases, and Bacillus Cereus was found in one case. The final mean bestcorrected visual acuity (BCVA) was increased signifi cantly compared to the initial BCVA (Z=-2.9, p=0.004). The risk factors leading to poor visual outcomes were initial poor BCVA, deep stromal infi ltration, and hypopyon existence at presentation (R=-0.60 and p=0.01, R=-0.55 and p=0.02, R=0.80 and p<0.001, respectively).

Conclusion: The most common identifi able risk factor for childhood microbial keratitis was corneal trauma. The most common bacteria isolated were coagulase-negative Staphylococcus. Initial poor BCVA, deep stromal infi ltration, and hypopyon existence at presentation were predictive for poor visual outcome. Early diagnosis, and intensive drug therapy, may effectively improve the prognosis of pediatric microbial keratitis. Keywords : Pediatric keratitis, Bacterial keratitis, Turkey