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Updated: Aug 12, 2026
08:31
Porcine Corneal Tissue Explant to Study the Efficacy of Herpes Simplex Virus-1 Antivirals
Published on: September 20, 2021
Current management of ophthalmic zoster
1St Mary's Hospital, London, England.
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Ophthalmology
|August 1, 1990
Summary
Ophthalmic zoster commonly affects healthy individuals, with ocular complications in half of cases. Topical steroids are the primary treatment, requiring careful management and gradual withdrawal for effective ocular zoster management.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- Ophthalmic zoster (herpes zoster affecting the eye) frequently impacts otherwise healthy individuals.
- Ocular complications arise in approximately 50% of patients with ophthalmic zoster.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding and therapeutic approaches for ophthalmic zoster in immunocompetent individuals.
- To clarify the role of systemic therapies in managing ocular complications.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of ophthalmic zoster management.
- Analysis of treatment outcomes for topical and systemic therapies.
Main Results:
- Topical corticosteroids represent the primary treatment modality for ocular manifestations.
- Close patient monitoring and a phased withdrawal of topical steroids are critical for successful outcomes.
- The efficacy and necessity of systemic steroid therapy and acyclovir in immunocompetent patients remain uncertain.
Conclusions:
- Current treatment for ophthalmic zoster relies heavily on topical steroids.
- Further research is needed to establish definitive guidelines for systemic antiviral and steroid use in immunocompetent patients with ophthalmic zoster.
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