Corneal infections after cortisone therapy.

CORTISONE and hydrocortisone are now widely used in the treatment of ocular inflammations, particularly in allergic conditions such as phlyctenular keratoconjunctivitis, vernal conjunctivitis, scleritis, uveitis, and some kinds of keratitis. In the treatment of diseases in the anterior segment of the eye, an inexpensive topical application in the form of a suspension or ointment may be used with benefit. Such applications seem to have few sideeffects, but Thygeson (1953) calls attention to the fact that cortisone is a double-edged weapon, since, though it may control the inflammation, it may also increase the susceptibility of the individual to micro-organisms. He encountered cases of fungus infection of the cornea after treatment with cortisone.