Which additional therapy is included with Artificial Tears for moderate/severe corneal erosion?

Which additional therapy is included with Artificial Tears for moderate/severe corneal erosion?

• A. Steroid drops
• B. Antiviral
• C. Prophylactic antibiotic
• D. Pain reliever

Answer: (C)

When the corneal surface is eroded, preventing infection during healing is crucial. Artificial tears lubricate, but the exposed corneal surface is vulnerable to bacteria, so a prophylactic antibiotic is added to reduce the risk of bacterial keratitis as healing occurs. Steroid drops are generally avoided with epithelial defects because they can slow healing and raise infection risk; antivirals are only used if a viral infection is confirmed; and while pain relief helps comfort, it doesn’t address infection risk, so it isn’t the standard added therapy alongside artificial tears in this scenario.

When the corneal surface is eroded, preventing infection during healing is crucial. Artificial tears lubricate, but the exposed corneal surface is vulnerable to bacteria, so a prophylactic antibiotic is added to reduce the risk of bacterial keratitis as healing occurs. Steroid drops are generally avoided with epithelial defects because they can slow healing and raise infection risk; antivirals are only used if a viral infection is confirmed; and while pain relief helps comfort, it doesn’t address infection risk, so it isn’t the standard added therapy alongside artificial tears in this scenario.