Oculoplastic complications in patients with adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis

Adenoviruses and other viral superficial eye infections may cause long-lasting complications, including conjunctival scarring, synechiae, and lacrimal system obstructions. However, their incidence is not established. Here, we set out to assess possible oculoplastic complications and need for surgical procedures in patients with adenoviral conjunctivitis.

This Finnish register-based retrospective study includes patients with adenoviral conjunctivitis treated at Helsinki University Hospital eye clinic, Finland, during adenoviral outbreak in the winter 2017-2018. Of these identified 168 patients, with median age of 43 years (range 0-83 years), 92 were female and 76 were male. 134 patients presented with a bilateral and 34 with a unilateral disease. Viral cell cultures revealed adenovirus serotypes 4 and 8. The medical records were reviewed in 2021-2022 to assess any oculoplastic complications and related surgical procedures.

After adenoviral infection, two patients presented with chronic tearing and were diagnosed with canalicular obstruction. One was primarily treated with silicone tube intubation. The canalicular obstruction of the other patient was released by lacrimal irrigation only, after which the patient remained symptom free. No other oculoplastic complications were found.

Adenoviral conjunctivitis with even severe inflammation of the anterior segment rarely causes oculoplastic complications requiring surgical interventions.