[Corneal herpes: what's new?].

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Virology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Herpetic keratitis, an eye infection caused by the herpes virus, has historically posed significant treatment challenges.
• Understanding the physio-pathologic mechanisms of herpetic keratitis has advanced treatment outcomes.
• The development of potent antiviral medications has been crucial in managing this condition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the advancements in treating herpetic keratitis.
• To highlight the efficacy of antiviral drugs in managing superficial and deep stromal forms of the disease.
• To introduce the potential of prophylactic oral antiviral therapy for recurrent herpetic keratitis.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent studies on herpetic keratitis.
• Analysis of treatment outcomes for superficial and deep stromal keratitis.
• Evaluation of the role of antiviral and corticosteroid therapies.
• Assessment of prophylactic strategies for disease recurrence.

Main Results:

• Superficial herpetic keratitis cases are generally responsive to treatment.
• Deep stromal keratitis often necessitates corticosteroid co-administration and presents greater healing challenges.
• Antiviral drugs have significantly improved the overall prognosis of herpetic keratitis.
• Prophylactic oral antiviral treatment is emerging as a promising strategy to prevent recurrences.

Conclusions:

• Improved understanding of herpetic keratitis pathophysiology and effective antiviral drugs have enhanced patient prognosis.
• While superficial keratitis is often curable, deep stromal forms require careful management, frequently involving corticosteroids.
• Prophylactic oral antiviral therapy offers a novel and promising approach to mitigate the impact of recurrent herpetic keratitis.