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The evolution of antiviral therapy for external ocular viral infections over twenty-five years
1Department of Ophthalmology, The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pennsylvania 15213, USA.
Purpose:
To review the past 25 years of the evolution of antiviral therapy for the treatment of common external ocular viral infections (herpes simplex virus type 1, varicella-zoster virus, and adenovirus).
Methods:
A broad-based literature review in the fields of virology, antiviral research, and ophthalmology will be carried out. The pathogenesis of the major external ocular viral infections and history of antiviral development will be cited. Important conceptual breakthroughs as well as historical landmarks will be emphasized.
Results:
The successful development of effective antivirals to treat the most common external ocular viral infections have dramatically reduced morbidity and sight loss. The immune pathogenesis of herpetic stromal keratitis is better understood.
Conclusions:
Remarkable progress in the development of antiviral therapy has occurred over the past quarter century. Future needs include improved antivirals and immunomodulators and vaccines to prevent and treat herpetic ocular infections and adenovirus keratoconjunctivitis.
Insights
Antiviral therapies for common eye infections like herpes simplex virus and adenovirus have significantly reduced vision loss over 25 years. Future research aims for better treatments and preventative vaccines.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Virology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Common external ocular viral infections pose significant risks to vision.
- Herpes simplex virus type 1, varicella-zoster virus, and adenovirus are primary causative agents.
- Ocular viral infections can lead to severe morbidity and sight loss.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evolution of antiviral therapy for external ocular viral infections over the past 25 years.
- To cover treatments for herpes simplex virus type 1, varicella-zoster virus, and adenovirus.
- To highlight advancements in managing these common eye conditions.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review across virology, antiviral research, and ophthalmology.
- Examination of the pathogenesis of major external ocular viral infections.
- Historical analysis of antiviral drug development and conceptual breakthroughs.
Main Results:
- Effective antiviral development has dramatically reduced morbidity and sight loss from common ocular viral infections.
- Improved understanding of the immune pathogenesis of herpetic stromal keratitis.
- Significant reduction in the impact of viral keratitis.
Conclusions:
- Substantial progress in antiviral therapy for ocular viral infections has been achieved in the last 25 years.
- Future needs include enhanced antivirals, immunomodulators, and vaccines.
- Preventative and therapeutic strategies for herpetic ocular infections and adenovirus keratoconjunctivitis require further development.