Abstract:

Objective To investigate the clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and therapy of new-onset herpes simplex virus (HSV) keratitis after the cataract surgery and to provide references for identification and prophylaxis of this disease. Methods Seven cases with HSV keratitis after the cataract surgery from 2008 to 2012 were retrospectively analyzed. The history and process of diagnosis and treatment were traced and the possible reasons of this disease were analyzed. Results After being treated by the antivirus, low concentration steriods, artificial tears, and corneal epithelium repair agents, conditions of seven patients were much better within one week. Ulcers of four patients healed after two weeks and ulcers of other patients healed after three weeks. Only one patient's visual acuity was affected due to residual scar opacity at central region and all other patients' visual acuity reached the premorbid level. Conclusion Ocular surgical trauma followed by topically administrating corticosteriod can induce the occurrence of HSV keratitis. Since its initial clinical representations are not typical, misdiagnosis can be made.

Key words: cataract surgery, herpes simplex virus, keratitis