Clinical Profile of Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus in a South Indian Patient Population

ABSTRACT

Purpose: To analyze and compare the clinical profile of herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) patients in a South Indian patient population aged <60 years and ≥60 years and determine the risk factors for recurrence of ocular inflammation.

Methods: Retrospective study of 249 cases between 2006 and 2016 from two tertiary referral eye centres in south india.

Results: Out of 249 cases, 189 cases were <60 years (Group 1) and 60 cases were aged ≥60 years (Group2). Presence of diabetes mellitus, increased intraocular pressure(IOP) at the time of active inflammation, use of topical steroids and recurrences were significantly more common in group 1. Significant risk factors for recurrences included corneal, uveal, scleral involvements and increase in IOP. Good vision at presentation was noted in 67.9% of the patients.

Conclusions: Anterior uveitis with or without keratitis was the most common presentation observed in more than 50% cases. The overall visual outcome was good.

Keywords:

• Herpes zoster ophthalmicus
• HZO
• intraocular inflammation
• keratitis
• viral uveitis

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Figure 5 is published in a case report by us in “Babu K, Kini R, Murthy KR. Unique presentation of 3rd and 6th cranial nerve palsies, nodular scleritis and nummular keratouveitis in an immunocompetent patient following an attack of herpes zoster ophthalmicus. Ocul Immunol Inflamm. 2012;20(5):365-7.”

DECLARATION OF INTEREST

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.