Which signs would indicate the use of steroids to treat SLK?

Which signs would indicate the use of steroids to treat SLK?

• A. Hyperemia only
• B. Lid edema
• C. Hypertrophy, injection, neovascularization
• D. Decreased tearing

Answer: (C)

In treating SLK, steroids are used when there are clear inflammatory changes at the ocular surface. The combination of tissue hypertrophy, injection of conjunctival vessels, and new blood vessel growth at the limbus shows active inflammation with chronic involvement. Hypertrophy reflects thickened, irritated conjunctiva; injection signals acute inflammatory redness; neovascularization indicates a sustained inflammatory response that can lead to scarring if not controlled. Steroids help by dampening the inflammatory mediators, reducing swelling and redness, and stabilizing the surface to promote healing and prevent progression. Milder signs like just hyperemia, or lid edema alone, aren’t as specific for corticosteroid therapy, and decreased tearing points to dryness rather than inflammatory activity needing steroids. Always ensure no infection is present and monitor intraocular pressure when using steroids.

In treating SLK, steroids are used when there are clear inflammatory changes at the ocular surface. The combination of tissue hypertrophy, injection of conjunctival vessels, and new blood vessel growth at the limbus shows active inflammation with chronic involvement. Hypertrophy reflects thickened, irritated conjunctiva; injection signals acute inflammatory redness; neovascularization indicates a sustained inflammatory response that can lead to scarring if not controlled. Steroids help by dampening the inflammatory mediators, reducing swelling and redness, and stabilizing the surface to promote healing and prevent progression.

Milder signs like just hyperemia, or lid edema alone, aren’t as specific for corticosteroid therapy, and decreased tearing points to dryness rather than inflammatory activity needing steroids. Always ensure no infection is present and monitor intraocular pressure when using steroids.