Ophthalmology · UKMLA & AKT
Bacterial keratitis
A free high-yield preview for the UKMLA Applied Knowledge Test, covering how to recognise this condition. The full SA Note notes add investigations, management and complications, with practice questions on this topic.
Key high-yield points
- Topical steroid eye drops - suppress local corneal immune response, leaving epithelium vulnerable to bacterial invasion even by low-virulence organisms
- Contact lens wear - especially extended-wear or overnight use; strongly associated with *Pseudomonas aeruginosa*
- Pre-existing ocular surface disease - associated with *Staphylococcus aureus* keratitis in non-contact lens wearers
Patient on steroid eye drops for uveitis or allergic eye disease who develops a painful red eye with a corneal infiltrate - think bacterial keratitis until proven otherwise. Steroids remove corneal immune surveillance, creating an open door for bacteria.
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