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Ophthalmology — UKMLA MCQ

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HardOphthalmologyUKMLAMRCP Part 1

A contact-lens wearer has a painful red photophobic eye and a branching fluorescein-staining corneal ulcer. What is the safest disposition?

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Correct answer: BArrange same-day ophthalmology assessment for infectious keratitis

The best answer is “Arrange same-day ophthalmology assessment for infectious keratitis”. A dendritic lesion suggests herpetic keratitis, but contact-lens use also raises bacterial risk. Both are sight-threatening and need same-day ophthalmic assessment and organism-appropriate treatment; topical corticosteroid without specialist direction can worsen herpetic disease. Corneal sampling may be required before organism-directed antimicrobial treatment.

Reference: Royal College of Ophthalmologists: Clinical guidelines: https://www.rcophth.ac.uk/standards-publications-research/clinical-guidelines/