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Ophthalmology · Cornea
Sample itemWhy is herpes simplex keratitis managed cautiously with topical steroid?
Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.
The answer and the reasoning
C. Steroid can worsen active epithelial viral disease
Topical steroid can worsen active epithelial HSV keratitis and should only be used under specialist direction for selected stromal disease with antiviral cover.
Option by option
A. Steroid always eradicates herpes virus
Steroids do not eradicate virus.
B. Steroid prevents corneal staining
They do not prevent dye uptake.
C. Steroid can worsen active epithelial viral disease (correct)
Correct: epithelial HSV can worsen with steroid.
D. Steroid replaces antiviral therapy
Antiviral treatment remains important.
Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.
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