What is a key reason for prescribing both antibiotic drops and steroids in a chemical eye burn?

• A. To prevent infection and reduce swelling/inflammation
• B. To address glaucoma
• C. To treat cataracts
• D. To correct refractive error

Answer: (A)

Chemical eye burns damage the surface of the eye, creating a risk of infection and a robust inflammatory response that can injure deeper tissues. An antibiotic drop helps prevent bacterial keratitis on the compromised surface, while a steroid drop dampens the inflammatory process, reducing swelling, pain, and tissue damage that can lead to scarring or thinning of the cornea. Using both addresses the two big threats at once—protecting against infection and controlling inflammation—so healing can proceed with better visual outcomes. Monitoring is important, as steroids can have side effects and must be used carefully in coordination with antibiotics. Glaucoma, cataracts, or refractive errors aren’t the immediate concerns in the acute burn management.