A 70-year-old patient presents with a peripheral corneal ulcer that is creeping circumferentially around the cornea with an overhanged central edge and absent vascularization. The patient has no systemic autoimmune disease. This is Mooren's ulcer. What is the first-line treatment?
- A Systemic corticosteroids with topical cyclosporine ✓
- B Topical antibiotics alone
- C Systemic antitubercular therapy
- D Penetrating keratoplasty as primary treatment
Correct answer: A. Systemic corticosteroids with topical cyclosporine
Explanation
Mooren's ulcer is an autoimmune peripheral ulcerative keratitis. First-line treatment is systemic corticosteroids (1 mg/kg) with topical cyclosporine 2% to halt progression. Topical antibiotics alone are ineffective for the immune process. ATT is not indicated unless systemic tuberculosis is present. Keratoplasty is reserved for perforation or refractory cases, not as primary treatment.
Reference: AAO BCSC Section 8: External Disease and Cornea, 2023-2024 ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.