When educating a patient diagnosed with bacterial keratitis, which statement is correct?

The reason that completing the course of prescribed topical antibiotics is the correct statement lies in the nature of bacterial keratitis, which is a serious infection of the cornea. This condition can lead to significant complications, including vision loss, if not treated appropriately.

Topical antibiotics are critical in effectively managing bacterial keratitis, as they target the infection and help to eliminate the bacteria responsible for the condition. It is essential for the patient to adhere to the full course of treatment as prescribed, since stopping the antibiotics prematurely might allow the infection to persist or worsen, leading to further complications. This adherence ensures that the bacteria are fully eradicated, reducing the risk of recurrence and helping to restore the health of the cornea.

On the other hand, the other statements present misleading information about bacterial keratitis. It is not a superficial infection that generally improves on its own; such infections typically require medical intervention. Additionally, corticosteroids are not generally used as a treatment for bacterial infections due to the risk of worsening the infection. Finally, bacterial keratitis specifically affects the cornea rather than being limited to the conjunctiva, which is a different ocular structure. Understanding the treatment and nature of the infection is crucial for effective patient education and management.