Herpesvirus infection

Herpes keratitis is an infection of the eye caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). It is a common cause of corneal blindness in the United States and the most common source of infectious blindness in the Western world.

Etiology

Herpes keratitis is caused by the herpes simplex virus, which has two types: HSV-1 and HSV-2. HSV-1 is primarily associated with infections of the mouth, face, eyes, and central nervous system, while HSV-2 primarily causes genital and neonatal infections. However, both types can cause herpes keratitis.

Symptoms

The symptoms of herpes keratitis may include pain, redness, blurred vision, tearing, and sensitivity to light. In severe cases, it can lead to vision loss or blindness.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of herpes keratitis is typically made based on the clinical presentation and characteristic findings on slit lamp examination. Additional tests such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing of the corneal scrapings can be used to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

The treatment of herpes keratitis involves antiviral therapy to control the viral infection and topical steroids to reduce inflammation. The specific treatment regimen depends on the severity and type of the disease (epithelial or stromal keratitis).

Prevention

Prevention of herpes keratitis involves avoiding contact with individuals who have active herpes lesions and good hygiene practices. For individuals with a history of recurrent herpes keratitis, long-term antiviral prophylaxis may be recommended.

See also

• Herpes simplex
• Keratitis
• Corneal ulcer
• Ophthalmology