For infections of the cornea and lids, which antibiotic property is most desirable?

• A. Broad Spectrum with Strong Gram-Negative Coverage
• B. Strong Gram-Negative Coverage
• C. Any Gram-Positive Coverage
• D. Antiviral Activity Only

Answer: (C)

The main idea is that the pathogens most commonly causing corneal and lid infections are Gram-positive bacteria (like Staphylococcus and Streptococcus). An antibiotic that reliably covers Gram-positive organisms targets the majority of these infections, making it the most essential property. Gram-negative coverage is important in certain scenarios (for example, contact-lens–associated keratitis or more severe infections), but not universally required for typical lid and corneal infections. Antiviral activity is not helpful here since this is a bacterial infection. So, having coverage against Gram-positive bacteria best aligns with treating the common culprits effectively.