Reduction of the ocular complications of herpes zoster ophthalmicus by oral acyclovir

Abstract

Herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) is a unique form of zoster dermatitis associated with a high rate of ocular complications that tend to be chronic and may cause vision loss. The ocular complications are highly varied, with keratitis and uveitis being more persistent sequellae of HZO. Oral acyclovir treatment of acute HZO reduces the incidence of the more common ocular complications, including keratitis and uveitis. Although patients treated early in the course of this disease experience a greater clinical response, treatment as late as seven days after onset of cutaneous lesions confers a beneficial prophylactic effect with respect to the ocular complications of HZO.