Which topical antibiotic is NOT typically used for superficial uncomplicated ulcers?

The reason systemic antibiotics are not typically used for superficial uncomplicated ulcers is that these types of ulcers are often managed effectively with topical treatments that target the site of the problem directly. Superficial uncomplicated ulcers usually do not involve deeper tissue layers or systemic infections, making topical antibiotics more appropriate for localized treatment.

Topical antibiotics comme erythromycin, tobramycin, and oxytetracycline combined with polymyxin are designed to act where the ulcer is located, providing effective treatment without the need for systemic administration. They can penetrate the corneal surface and help to promote healing directly at the site of the ulceration.

In contrast, systemic antibiotics are more suited for cases where there is a systemic infection or deeper ocular involvement that requires broader treatment coverage and cannot be adequately addressed through topical administration alone. Therefore, while systemic antibiotics may be beneficial in certain circumstances, they do not fit the standard approach for treating superficial uncomplicated ulcers, making them the correct answer in this context.