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© 2019. This work is licensed under https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/ (the “License”). Notwithstanding the ProQuest Terms and Conditions, you may use this content in accordance with the terms of the License.

Abstract

Purpose: Herpes simplex keratitis (HSK) has varied presenting patterns, and is one of the leading causes of corneal scarring and subsequent visual disability. This study was carried out to determine the incidence and patterns of HSK presenting at a tertiary eye center in eastern Nepal and to assess the associated visual impairment.

Methods: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study at a tertiary eye-care center that included 302 cases of clinically diagnosed HSK over a period of 1 year. Detailed ocular examination was done in all patients. Clinical manifestations and visual acuity at presentation and on subsequent visits in cases that followed up were recorded. Findings were noted in structured format and later assessed.

Results: Of 302 cases of HSK, 53 presented with epithelial keratitis, 156 with stromal keratitis without ulceration, 22 with stromal keratitis with ulceration, 66 with endothelitis, and five with neurotrophic ulcers. Presenting visual acuity in 108 patients (35.7%) was <3/60. Of 175 patients who followed up, 36 patients continued to have vision <3/60.

Conclusion: This study shows that HSK has diverse presentation and can cause significant vision impairment. Stromal keratitis without ulceration was the most common presentation in our study. In developing nations, due to higher incidence of fungal and bacterial keratitis, HSK is not studied much. Few epidemiological data are available on the subject, and since the disease is notorious for recurrence, long-term study is paramount to estimate the burden of visual morbidity caused by the disease.

Details

Title
Clinical Pattern And Visual Impairment Associated With Herpes Simplex Keratitis
Author
Shah, Anica; Joshi, Purushottam; Bhusal, Bijaya; Subedi, Prabha
Pages
2211-2215
Section
Original Research
Publication year
2019
Publication date
2019
Publisher
Taylor & Francis Ltd.
ISSN
1177-5467
e-ISSN
1177-5483
Source type
Scholarly Journal
Language of publication
English
ProQuest document ID
2314992648
Copyright
© 2019. This work is licensed under https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/ (the “License”). Notwithstanding the ProQuest Terms and Conditions, you may use this content in accordance with the terms of the License.