Some would say it's actually the exact opposite of what you wrote. Read
the "Indications" for Inflamase, for example below. (All the other
steroids have similar indications and warnings.)

Recall that I wrote that the use of steroids FOLLOWS the use of topical
antivirals and non-steroidals. It is not meant to be used in the active
phase of the disease, at least as I've been taught, although as I've
cited below, some docs think it SHOULD be used in active phase of HSZ
and sometimes in HSV. Further, IMHO it is usually not necessary if the
lesions are squelched and are resolving quickly. But when they're not,
penetrating the stroma and threatening the central cornea with permanent
scarring, it's a different story. And if by the time the patient gets to
me and it's already penetrated into the deep stroma, that patient is out
of my office and off to the cornea specialist, anyway.

I fully understand the confusion that treatment of herpes infections
brings. Just as we cited the study that says that oral medication has no
effect on the topical eye disease, there are certainly plenty of studies
that say the exact opposite. Here's one:

Colin J, Prisant O, Cochener B, Lescale O, Rolland B, Hoang-Xuan T.
Comparison of the efficacy and safety of valaciclovir and acyclovir for
the treatment of herpes zoster ophthalmicus. Ophthalmology
2000;107:1507-11.

Additionally, not matter what it says on the Inflamase or Pred Forte
package insert, there are tons of articles that state that the
management of HSV and HZV should utilize topical steroids, some
specifically addressing stromal involvement as vital and others to use
with extreme caution, others that's it's OK with any superficial
epithelial disease and others only after it's controlled with
antivirals. An OM.D. that I respect greatly told me he's never seen the
so-called "herpes gone wild" from steroid use.
.
Here's a citation FOR using steroids:

Wilhelmus KR, Gee L, Hauck WW, et al. Herpetic Eye Disease Study. A
controlled trial of topical corticosteroids for herpes simplex stromal
keratitis. Ophthalmology. 1994;101(12):1883-95.

_______________________________

INDICATIONS AND USAGE: INFLAMASE MILD and INFLAMASE
FORTE Ophthalmic Solutions are indicated for the treatment of the
following conditions: steroid responsive inflammatory conditions of
the palpebral and bulbar conjunctiva, cornea, and anterior segment of
the globe, such as allergic conjunctivitis, acne rosacea, superficial
punctate keratitis, herpes zoster keratitis, iritis, cyclitis, selected
infective conjunctivitis.

And the "Contraindications":
The use of these preparations is contraindicated in the presence of
*acute* superficial herpes simplex keratitis, fungal diseases
........Employment of steroid medication in the treatment of herpes
simplex keratitis involving the stroma requires great caution; frequent
slit lamp microscopy is mandatory.

-------------------------------------------
Apparently, steriods are A-OK in HSZ and OK sometimes for some types of
HSV.  Oh.....whatever.

Pick your method. No lawyers need be involved if you do it right.

--LB, O.D.