Herpetic Keratitis: A review of the evidence

Abstract

Herpetic eye disease remains a major cause of corneal blindness, with an estimated incidence between 5.9 to 20 /105 of the population per year, with a prevalence of approximately 149/105 individuals in developed countries. Of the eight herpes viruses known to infect humans, only five cause significant ocular disease and include herpes simplex types I and II, varicella zoster, cytomegalovirus and Epstein- Barr virus . Humans are the only known reservoir for HSV and although its epidemiology has changed, it is generally accepted that its prevalence increases with age and can be identified in the trigeminal ganglia of over 90% of the population 60 years or older. Despite infecting most humans, ocular disease affects less tan 1% of the exposed population.

Keywords

• herpes
• keratitis
• management