Which statement about bacterial keratitis education is true?

Which statement about bacterial keratitis education is true?

• A. A steroid drop is added after healing to prevent scarring
• B. Steroids are started immediately with antibiotics
• C. Steroids are never used
• D. Steroids replace antibiotics

Answer: (A)

In bacterial keratitis, the main point to teach is that antibiotics come first to control and eradicate the infection, and a corticosteroid is considered later as an adjunct to reduce scarring. Steroid drops are added once the infection is under control and the corneal epithelium has begun to heal, not as initial therapy. This timing helps limit stromal inflammation and scar formation without risking a worsened infection. Steroids do not replace antibiotics and starting them immediately with antibiotics is not appropriate because it can mask or worsen the infection.

In bacterial keratitis, the main point to teach is that antibiotics come first to control and eradicate the infection, and a corticosteroid is considered later as an adjunct to reduce scarring. Steroid drops are added once the infection is under control and the corneal epithelium has begun to heal, not as initial therapy. This timing helps limit stromal inflammation and scar formation without risking a worsened infection. Steroids do not replace antibiotics and starting them immediately with antibiotics is not appropriate because it can mask or worsen the infection.