[Anterior viral uveitis : Clinical aspects, diagnostic procedure and treatment options]

Viruses are a major cause of infection-associated intraocular inflammation. This is also true for acute anterior uveitis (AAU), which is the most common form of intraocular inflammation. In particular, viruses from the herpes group have to be considered. While herpes simplex virus and varicella zoster virus are well known as the cause of intraocular inflammation, new knowledge has been acquired for cytomegalovirus and rubella virus infections. As the treatment is different, a clear diagnosis is desirable. In addition, new viral pathogens and other etiologies that may mimic a similar clinical appearance have to be considered in AAU. This article presents the differential diagnostic considerations of virus-associated AAU inflammation.