Use of adjunctive topical corticosteroids in bacterial keratitis

Topical corticosteroid use in the setting of infectious keratitis has been a controversial issue. The aim of this review is to provide an update on the evidence for use of topical corticosteroids in addition to antibiotics in bacterial keratitis.

Judicious use of steroids is postulated to limit the inflammatory component of bacterial keratitis, but can theoretically retard healing. Three small randomized controlled trials and one large-scale trial, the Steroids for Corneal Ulcers Trial, have provided the most recent evidence to address this debate. Adjunctive topical corticosteroids initiated after at least 48 h of antibiotic usage in cases of culture-proven bacterial keratitis appear generally safe in the treatment of bacterial keratitis. They may be beneficial in cases of severe ulcers especially when initiated early in the course of the infection, in non-Nocardia ulcers, and in certain Pseudomonas ulcers.

Several randomized controlled trials have greatly contributed to our understanding of the controversy over steroid use in the management of bacterial keratitis. Future studies are needed to confirm subgroup analysis findings and define optimal timing, dosage, and the most appropriate treatment populations.