Ophthalmologic Manifestations of Herpes Simplex Keratitis Follow-up
- Author: Jim C Wang, MD; Chief Editor: Hampton Roy Sr, MD more...
Further Outpatient Care
- Patients with HSV keratitis need to be monitored closely in an outpatient clinic until the disease is inactive. Any suspicious corneal infiltrate in the presence of HSV epithelial keratitis should be cultured for possible secondary microbial infection and then managed with topical antibacterial or antifungal agents. Persistence of an epithelial defect despite antiviral treatment should raise the suspicion of topical corneal toxicity and neurotrophic disease. Discontinuation of topical antivirals or even tarsorrhaphy may be required. Although an uncommon occurrence, progressive necrotizing stromal keratitis and impending corneal perforation might be better managed in an inpatient setting. Tissue glue with bandage contact lens should be attempted prior to keratoplasty.
Inpatient & Outpatient Medications
- See Medication.
Deterrence/Prevention
- Ongoing research for HSV vaccination is being conducted. While nearly all developmental vaccines are targeting HSV-2 and genital herpes, evidence suggests that these vaccines may offer cross-protection in preventing ocular HSV-1 infections.[11] However, concerns remain that a boost in immune response to HSV after vaccination may exacerbate herpetic stromal keratitis.[12]
Prognosis
- Visual prognosis depends on the extent of the corneal scarring.
Patient Education
- For excellent patient education resources, visit eMedicine's Eye and Vision Center. Also, see eMedicine's patient education article Corneal Ulcer.
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