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Varicella-zoster virus eye disease
1Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, Florida 32224, USA. tliesegang@mayo.edu
Cornea
|September 16, 1999
Summary
Varicella zoster virus (VZV) infections, including shingles and postherpetic neuralgia, are better understood, with improved treatment options. However, severe VZV cases still require more effective therapies.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Varicella zoster virus (VZV) causes chickenpox and shingles.
- Understanding VZV latency and epidemiology has advanced.
- Clinical manifestations correlate with pathological changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- Review epidemiology, biology, and clinical features of VZV.
- Discuss systemic and ocular manifestations of VZV.
- Evaluate treatment strategies for VZV and postherpetic neuralgia.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature search.
- Review of author's clinical experience with VZV patients.
- Analysis of treatment outcomes for varicella and herpes zoster ophthalmicus.
Main Results:
- Increased knowledge of VZV biology, latency, and epidemiology.
- Correlation between clinical features and pathological changes established.
- Antiviral therapy and corticosteroids offer treatment options.
- Varicella vaccine shows encouraging initial results.
Conclusions:
- Enhanced understanding of VZV improves infection management.
- Effective treatments for severe VZV forms remain a challenge.
- Further research is needed for comprehensive VZV therapy.