A Clinical Case of Viral Keratitis

Keratitis is a pathological condition involving inflammation of the cornea. It can be an infectious or non-infectious disease. The causative organisms of keratitis are categorized as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. The viruses responsible for causing keratitis are herpes simplex virus (HSV), varicella-zoster virus, and adenoviruses. The clinical features of this infection may range from pain and redness of the eye to scarring of the cornea or blindness. We present the case of a 71-year-old elderly female patient suffering from viral (HSV) keratitis. She was referred to the department of ophthalmology with complaints of diminution of vision and watering in the right eye associated with pain and redness for one month, which was progressive and gradual in onset. On local examination, the surface of the cornea was irregular in the right eye, with the presence of old keratitis precipitates. Viral infection is the second leading cause of keratitis and is very common in the western world. Because the transmission is due to droplets and fomites, strict measures must be taken to prevent transmission. If anyone comes in contact, prophylactic antiviral therapy can be administered. The prognosis is favorable if adequately treated. It can lead to blindness if not treated on time.