Acyclovir in herpes simplex keratitis

Herpes simplex keratitis is the most frequent cause of loss of vision from corneal disease in the industrialised world. This has led to the widespread use of a variety of antiviral drugs in treatment and these are reviewed, with particular attention to their clinical value. Study of the reports concerning the use of acyclovir (ACV) in this condition suggests that this antiviral may be more effective than others, not only in acute infections but possibly in herpetic iridocyclitis and also as a prophylactic antiviral cover following corneal grafting.