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Uveitis in Herpes zoster ophthalmicus
J H Thean1, A J Hall, R J Stawell
1Department of Ophthalmology, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Australia. jthean@hotmail.com
Clinical & Experimental Ophthalmology
|January 10, 2002
Summary
Herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) commonly causes ocular complications like uveitis, often in immunocompetent individuals. Secondary glaucoma is frequent, but visual loss is usually due to other HZO complications.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Immunology
Background:
- Herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) frequently leads to ocular complications, affecting approximately 50% of patients.
- Iridocyclitis is a common complication, seen in about 43% of HZO cases.
- Understanding uveitis secondary to HZO is crucial for managing patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize the clinical features of uveitis resulting from Herpes zoster ophthalmicus.
- To analyze the incidence and nature of ocular complications in patients with HZO-related uveitis.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective case study design was employed.
- Data were collected from patients with HZO and secondary uveitis over a 10-year period.
- Key information included the timing of rash and uveitis onset, duration, treatment, and complications.
Main Results:
- Thirty-four patients were included, predominantly immunocompetent (82%).
- Uveitis was typically uniphasic (77%) and resolved within 2 months for 68% of patients.
- Secondary glaucoma occurred in 56% of patients, with 15% requiring surgery; visual loss was attributed to other HZO complications.
Conclusions:
- Uveitis secondary to HZO primarily affects immunocompetent individuals.
- The uveitis course is generally short and resolves without significant visual impairment directly from uveitis or glaucoma.
- Secondary glaucoma is a significant complication requiring monitoring and potential intervention.