To analyze the clinical presentation, predisposing risk factors, and evaluate the treatment outcomes of Moraxella keratitis.

A retrospective analysis was conducted of 12 culture positive cases of Moraxella keratitis from hospital records between March 2001 and November 2015 at a tertiary hospital to identify and analyze its risk factors, causative microbial organisms, clinical features, and therapeutic outcomes.

The mean patient age was 68 years (range, 46–86). The most common cause of keratitis was trauma (six eyes, 50.0%), and half of these patients had diabetes mellitus (three patients, 25.0%). Two patients (16.6%) were previously treated with penetrating keratoplasty. The locations of keratitis involved the central (50.0%) and paracentral (50.0%) regions. Round-shaped corneal infiltration was found in seven eyes (58.3%), and irregular-shaped infiltration was found in five eyes (41.7%). Hypopyon was observed in five eyes (41.7%). All Moraxella isolates were susceptible to aminoglycosides and fluoroquinolones. The isolates from three patients were resistant to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. The mean complete epithelial healing time was 32.4 days. The final visual acuity was 20/1,000 or less in seven eyes (58.3%). Three eyes developed corneal perforations and eventually underwent evisceration.

In the Republic of Korea, Moraxella keratitis frequently occurs in eyes with trauma. The treatment response is very slow and has a poor visual outcome; thus, a long period of antibiotic therapy is necessary.