Herpes Simplex Keratitis Flashcards
What is Herpes Simplex Keratitis (HSK)?
The most common leading cause of corneal blindness in developed countries, presenting as a dendritic ulcer.
What are common causes of HSK?
- Stress
- Pregnancy
- UV light exposure
- History of cold sores
- Systemic illnesses
- Poor general health/fatigue
- Immunodeficiency
What are the key signs of HSK?
- Punctate lesions coalescing into a dendriform pattern
- Opaque cells in a stellate pattern
- Reduced corneal sensitivity
- Conjunctival redness
- Amoebic or geographic ulcer
What are the common symptoms of HSK?
- Photophobia
- Foreign body sensation
- Reduced visual acuity
- Redness
When is an urgent referral to an ophthalmologist required for HSK?
For acute or recurrent epithelial HSK with no stromal involvement.
When should HSK be considered an emergency?
If the patient is a child, contact lens wearer, has viral retinitis, or if the condition is bilateral.
How is the virus causing HSK confirmed?
By isolating the virus from a corneal swab or biopsy.
What antiviral medications are used to treat HSK?
- Aciclovir 3%, used 5 times daily
- Ganciclovir 0.15%
What surgical options are available for severe HSK?
Surgical removal of damaged tissue or penetrating keratoplasty in cases with scarring.
What is the prognosis for HSK?
Prognosis is usually good but depends on the severity and number of recurrences of the disease.
What type of ulcer is characteristic of HSK?
Dendritic ulcer.
Why should steroids never be given for HSK?
Steroids can exacerbate the condition.
What is a dendritic ulcer?
A branching ulcer on the cornea caused by the herpes simplex virus, characteristic of HSK.
What pattern do opaque cells form in HSK?
Stellate (star-shaped) pattern.
How does HSK affect corneal sensitivity?
It reduces corneal sensitivity.
