Varicella-Zoster Virus and the Eye: Clinical Spectrum, Management, and Vaccination - PubMed
3 hours ago
- #Vaccination
- #Ophthalmology
- #Varicella-Zoster Virus
- Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV) is a significant pathogen in ophthalmology, causing various eye conditions.
- Reactivation of VZV can affect the adnexa, cornea, sclera, uvea, optic nerve, and cranial nerves, sometimes without cutaneous signs ('zoster sine herpete').
- Diagnosis often relies on PCR-based intraocular diagnostics due to the absence of skin lesions in some cases.
- Management includes early high-dose antivirals (acyclovir or valacyclovir), corticosteroids, and surgical intervention when necessary.
- Childhood varicella vaccination and adult zoster vaccination have reduced VZV incidence and ocular complications in high-coverage areas.
- Rare post-vaccine complications like keratitis or uveitis highlight the need for ongoing monitoring.
- The review focuses on host-pathogen interactions in VZV ocular disease, covering injury mechanisms and defense responses.