Herpetic keratitis: possible causes of injury, symptoms and treatment

At present, the majority of the world's population can be considered the carriers of the herpes virus.In some cases, he does not manifest himself, but sometimes becomes the cause of lesions of the mucous lips, nose and eyes. In particular, in half of the patients who have keratitis, the cause is precisely this virus. In view of the wide spread, it is important to know how it manifests itself and how to deal with it.

Definition of disease

Herpetic keratitis is a pathology characterized by the course of inflammatory processes that cause herpes of several types.Being in the human body, it can periodically recur, especially during periods of immunosuppression. At the same time, the disease contributes to the opacity of the cornea and, as a consequence, a reduction in visual acuity and clarity.

The first attacks of the virus often fall on the child's age to five years, after which it is usually repeated many times.

People who experience periodic attacks of herpes on the mucous membranes, it is important to go through the prevention of keratitis, because they are more prone to this disease.

Types and Classification

Today, there are three main types of herpetic keratitis:

• Vesiculous.On the surface of the mucosa, vesicles are formed, which eventually burst. This phenomenon usually leads to erosion.
• Dendritic. This type is characterized by damage that resembles the branches of a tree.

• Card-shaped.Damage reminiscent of the geographical map, while forming ulcers on the cornea.

Forms of keratitis can also be divided into primary and stromal.The first affects only the surface tissues, the second - affects the deep layers of the eyeball. There are the following variants of stromal inflammation:

• Metaperpetic;
• Interstitial;
• Focal;
• Ulcerative;
• Discoid.

If there is a primary keratitis, it is necessary to begin its elimination in time and bring the therapy to the end. Stromal inflammation is amenable to treatment is much more difficult.

Causes

The immediate cause of this type of keratitis is the herpes virus.It is transmitted by direct contact and by airborne droplets predominantly in childhood. Activate the process of progressing inflammation of the mucosa can be hypothermia, stress, traumatic injuries and decreased immunity. Especially often it occurs in the cold season.

Causes of herpetic keratitis

Symptoms

For different types of keratitis, various signs can be observed.Common symptoms are as follows:

• Painful sensations, carving, burning;
• Fear of light;
• Increased lacrimation;
• The occurrence of ulcers, vesicles, ulcers, erosions.

Symptoms of herpetic keratitis

Also, there may be accumulation of blood and fluid in the tissues, the emergence of various optical effects (lightning, flies in front of the eyes).Gradually, corneal opacification occurs against the background of blushing proteins of the eye and a decrease in visual acuity.

Lack of timely treatment can lead to a complete loss of vision without the possibility of recovery.

Possible complications

A severe degree of progression of herpetic keratitis is keratouveitis, when inflammation affects the vascular membrane and penetrates deep into the tissue, forming pus.A thorn is formed, which completely covers the cornea and promotes persistent deterioration of vision.

In addition to scars, other complications are possible, characterized by the appearance of ulcers, with the breakthrough which is also likely loss of vision.

Complication after herpetic keratitis - keratouveitis

Diagnostics

Analysis and diagnosis of the disease requires a careful examination of all tissues of the eyeball, and in particular, the cornea.It is important to correctly determine the depth and volume of the inflammatory focus, the degree of its development.In most cases, it is also necessary to take a smear to determine the markers of the infection.

It is also useful to study the patient's medical history and questioning. In addition, it is often necessary to weed out other possible diseases.

Treatment

Treatment of pathology is possible in almost any form and at any stage.However, not always the vision can be completely restored. Therapy of inflammation usually should be accompanied by an increase in the level of immunity.

Medication

Selection of medicines can be difficult and long work, because the virus has the ability to adapt to the proposed medications and become resistant to them.Antiviral medications can be used in the form of eye drops, ointments and tablets for oral administration. Most often ophthalmologists are prescribed Acyclovir, Okoferon, Isoprinosin and Idoxuridine.

Acyclovir

Surgically

In cases where the virus adapts to all medicines and the situation is rapidly complicated, a surgical technique may be needed.It is a scraping of the plaque using a special tool with the use of an antiseptic. If this method also does not bring a proper result, through keratoplasty is performed.

Before a direct surgical operation, the patient must undergo special training.It involves the elimination of all concomitant diseases and therapy with the help of special eye drops. The procedure itself is performed under a microscope. During it, the affected part of the cornea is removed and replaced by a healthy donor.

The process of rehabilitation after surgery can also be difficult.The patient should always visit the ophthalmologist to measure the intraocular pressure and monitor the results of the treatment.Also, he must use antiseptic drops for the eyes to prevent the onset and development of other infections.

Measurement of intraocular pressure

Patients who have undergone surgery have a greater risk of recurrence, especially if resistance to antiviral medicines is present. Such people are especially important to monitor the condition of the body and immunity, observe the rules of hygiene and therapeutic diet.

Prevention

Almost all people, often having a manifestation of herpes on mucous membranes, have a high probability of keratitis.The risk of further recurrence is increased many times. Therefore, the main recommendation for prevention is the support of immunity, the intake of vitamin preparations and compliance with the regime of proper nutrition. Hygiene of the hands, face and eyes is also important. There is also a special vaccine that prevents the active manifestation of herpes.

To monitor the health status is important especially in the cold season, when the herpes is activated.

Video

conclusions

Herpetic keratitis is a kind of inflammation of the mucous eye, which is caused by the herpes virus.A feature of the disease is a high risk of recurrence even at the first appearance.Cure pathology is almost impossible, and in addition, keratitis can lead to the appearance of the belly and completely deprive the vision. Nevertheless, with proper prevention and a serious attitude towards one's own health, patients can expect good treatment results.