[Ocular herpes. Therapeutic aspects (author's transl)]

Abstract

The range of treatment proposed for ocular herpes regularly widens. In addition to the harmful effects of the herpes virus itself, there are local immunological mechanisms which render the use of antiviral substances all the more difficult. Those currently available (5 iodo 2'deoxyuridine, vidarabine, trifluorothymidine) are certainly of the greatest value in superficial forms but have little effect upon deep seated stromal and uveal involvement. In addition, they are toxic to the corneal epithelium. At all events, they offer treatment during acute exacerbations and cannot prevent recurrences. Treatment should thus often consist of corticosteroids and antiviral agents in alternation and the solution is sometimes to be found in the combined use of these two substances. Surgery is above all indicated in the treatment of the sequelae of ocular herpes, the results of operations performed during acute phases being less definite.