Table 1.

Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria for the SCUT trial

Inclusion Criteria (All must be met)

Presence of a corneal ulcer at presentation (defined by an epithelial defect and signs of stromal inflammation) Cornea culture on blood or chocolate agar indicates the presence of bacteria Antibiotic given for ≥ 48 hours The patient must be able to verbalise a basic understanding of the study after it is explained to the patient, as determined by a physician examiner. This understanding must include a commitment to return for follow-up visits. Appropriate consent

Exclusion Criteria

Overlying epithelial defect < 0.75 mm at its greatest width at presentation Impending perforation Evidence of fungus on KOH or Giemsa stain at time of presentation Evidence of acanthamoeba by stain Evidence of herpetic keratitis by history or exam History of corneal scar in the affected eye Use of a topical steroid in the affected eye during the course of the present ulcer, including use after the symptoms of the ulcer started but before presentation Use of systemic steroids during the course of the present ulcer Age less than 16 years Bilateral ulcers Previous penetrating keratoplasty Pregnancy (by history or urine test) Outside 200 kilometer radius for Aravind Evidence of fungus on culture at time of enrollment Best spectacle-corrected vision worse than 6/60 (20/200) in the fellow eye Corneal perforation or descemetocoele Known allergy to study medications (steroid or preservative) No light perception in the affected eye Not willing to participate or to return for follow-up visits