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Porcine Corneal Tissue Explant to Study the Efficacy of Herpes Simplex Virus-1 Antivirals
Published on: September 20, 2021
New-onset herpes simplex virus keratitis after cataract surgery
Nandesh N Patel1, Christopher C Teng, Laurence T D Sperber
1Department of Ophthalmology, New York University School of Medicine, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY 10016, USA.
Cornea
|December 19, 2008
Summary
A patient with a history of atopic dermatitis developed herpes simplex virus (HSV) keratitis after routine cataract surgery. Early diagnosis and treatment with oral acyclovir led to resolution of the ocular infection.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Virology
- Dermatology
Background:
- A 34-year-old male with atopic dermatitis on immunosuppressants underwent uncomplicated cataract surgery.
- Patients with a history of atopic dermatitis may be at increased risk for certain postoperative complications.
Observation:
- Two days post-cataract surgery, the patient presented with eye pain, photophobia, decreased vision, and corneal abrasion.
- Within five days, vesicular lesions on the eyelid and corneal dendrites were observed.
Findings:
- Cultures confirmed herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 infection of the lid lesions.
- The patient received oral acyclovir, resulting in the resolution of corneal dendrites by day 8 and lid lesions by day 15.
Implications:
- Herpes simplex virus (HSV) keratitis is an uncommon but potential complication following cataract surgery.
- Ophthalmologists should consider HSV keratitis in patients presenting with suggestive symptoms after ocular surgery, especially those with risk factors like immunosuppression.
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