Laboratory workup of microbial keratitis.

Accurate diagnosis is the key to proper management of microbial keratitis. Haphazard therapy for keratitis often results in frustration for both the doctor and the patient. Unsuccessful therapy allows the condition to linger on, and may provide the opportunity for more serious corneal complications to occur. In-office cytological and gram stain smears along with laboratory cultures, sensitivities, and endotoxin testing are essential in developing an accurate initial diagnosis and successful treatment plan for microbial keratitis.