[Treatment of herpes simplex keratitis with Vidarabin ointment (author's transl)]

In 20 cases of herpes simplex keratitis the efficacy of Vidarabin ointment has been tested, in 19 cases after corneal abrasion. The eyes were treated once a day and padded until the epithelial defects had closed. Thereafter the ointment was applied 4 times per day for about one week more. On the average epithelial closure had been achieved after 2.4 days, complete normalization of the epithelium after a total of 3.6 days. This therapy results in a considerable shortening of the healing process as compared to the topical use of anti-viral medication alone. From this aspect Vidarabin ointment has proved to be a valuable adjuvant.