[Viral infections of the anterior segment (author's transl)]

A focus on the pathogenesis, clinical manifestations and therapy. Contemporary ideas on viral infections of the anterior segment are examined.--The pathogenesis of lesions (viral activity, delayed hypersensitivity reaction), the clinical aspects of herpes infections of the anterior segment are the result of the relative importance of these two factors. Schematically--dendritic keratitis infiltrates and stromal necrosis and hypopion represent active viral infection. Disciform keratitis, oedematous keratitis, serous iridocyclitis represent delayed hypersensitivity reaction. Corticosteroids are contrindicated in the former cases and recommended in the latter.--Special features concerning zoster inflammations of the anterior segment are considered.--An important number of adenoviral anterior segment infections are also reported and their benign nature stressed.