Long-Term Treatment With Idoxuridine and Steroids

Abstract

Idoxuridine (IDU) has been proved effective in the treatment of early epithelial herpetic keratitis.^1-3In cases with stromal involvement moderate doses of topical steroids in conjunction with idoxuridine are usually indicated.⁴This combination of drugs has saved many eyes with severe herpetic keratitis or uveitis. In many cases treatment with small doses of idoxuridine and steroid must be maintained over a long period in order to prevent recurrence of the disease. If such a schedule is followed without accompanying antibiotics, there is a risk of secondary bacterial infection developing in the cornea. Four cases are presented to illustrate this point. Report of Cases Case 1. —A 60-year-old plasterer was seen early in January of 1962. He stated that four weeks previously he got lime in his left eye and was attended by an oculist who prescribed a topical steroid preparation. Examination revealed a markedly injected left eye with