Ocular surface manifestations of the major viruses

The ocular surface is often the first site of involvement by viral infections. Background information, clinical presentations, and current treatment of three major viruses--herpes simplex, varicella-zoster, and adenovirus, have been presented in detail in this chapter. The effects of adenoviruses are usually transient and may be regarded as a nuisance. Infection with herpes simplex or varicella-zoster may lead to prolonged activity of the disease and life-long treatment with occasional loss of useful vision. It is apparent that our understanding of the clinical behavior of the major viruses has increased in recent years. Therapeutic criteria and modalities have also improved for some of the complications of the viruses. Much work needs to be done for some of the other manifestations, i.e., failure of reepithelialization, stromal melting, scarring, vascularization, and inflammation.