What is the role of medications in the treatment of herpes simplex virus (HSV) keratitis?
Medications for HSV Keratitis • Topical corticosteroids - suppress inflammatory response - inappropriate use may cause corneal perforation, stromal necrosis, recurrence of secondary microbial infections, lenticular changes and increase in intraocular pressure - dose tapers to minimum possible with adequate effect - withdrawl results is recurrence of inflammation • Antivirals - Inhibit replication of virus in infected cells - Oral and topical, both are equally effective - After using antivirals for 1014 days, complications occur including punctal stenosis, Punctate epithelial keratopathy, ptosis, limbal follicles, and contact dermatitis.