Anterior segment complications of herpes zoster ophthalmicus.
OBJECTIVE
The clinical features and management strategies for varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infections of the cornea, lids, and adnexa.


CONCLUSIONS
Herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) can result in a myriad of chronic and recurrent complications that may be sight threatening. Surgical intervention is the mainstay of treatment, and advancements in this area may lessen the complications of HZO if correctly implemented.


METHODS
Literature review of pertinent topics, authors, and journals utilizing the National Institutes of Health PubMed service.


RESULTS
A higher rate of treatment success for VZV-related complications was obtained when any preexisting ocular inflammation, increased intraocular pressure, lagophthalmos, dry eye, exposure, or neurotrophic keratitis was treated and under control before attempting ocular surgery.


CONCLUSIONS
Options are available to manage ophthalmic complications of HZO and reduce the risk of treatment failure.
Kaufman
Stephen C
SC
Department of Ophthalmology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USA. corneamd2000@yahoo.com
D000869:Anterior Eye Segment / Q000473:pathology / Q000821:virology*; D003229:Conjunctival Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D003316:Corneal Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D005141:Eyelid Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D006563:Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans