CORTICOSTEROID THERAPY IN CENTRAL STROMAL KERATITIS

Active central stromal keratitis in 75 patients was treated with high doses of topical corticosteroids and, when indicated, with specific ancilliary therapeutic agents. Inactivation of the inflammatory process was achieved in 74 of the 75 patients. The duration of active disease appeared to be shortened and its severity lessened. The recurrence of inflammation frequently seen in herpes simplex keratitis correlated well with the degree of residual structural change. Undesirable side-effects were seldom noted when corticosteroids were administered simultaneously with appropriate specific therapeutic agents. Preservation of the corneal structure by limiting the ravages of the inflammatory process is the specific indication for corticosteroid therapy. © 1969.