Overview
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) keratitis is an eye infection caused by the herpes simplex virus, most commonly type 1 (HSV-1). It affects the cornea, which is the clear front surface of the eye. This condition is one of the leading infectious causes of blindness in developed countries. Note that this entry has been marked as 'obsolete' in the Orphanet classification, meaning it may have been reclassified or merged with another disease entry, but the condition itself remains a well-recognized medical problem. When the herpes virus infects the cornea, it can cause pain, redness, tearing, light sensitivity, and blurred vision. The infection can affect different layers of the cornea. Epithelial keratitis involves the outer layer and often produces a characteristic branching (dendritic) ulcer pattern. Stromal keratitis affects deeper layers and involves inflammation that can lead to scarring. The virus can remain dormant in nerve tissue and reactivate, causing repeated episodes that may progressively damage the cornea and threaten vision. Treatment typically involves antiviral medications such as oral acyclovir or valacyclovir, or topical antiviral eye drops like ganciclovir or trifluridine. Corticosteroid eye drops may be used carefully for stromal inflammation under close specialist supervision. In severe cases with significant corneal scarring, a corneal transplant may be needed to restore vision. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent permanent damage.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Eye pain or discomfortRed eyeExcessive tearing or watery eyesSensitivity to light (photophobia)Blurred or decreased visionFeeling like something is in the eyeSwollen eyelidCorneal clouding or hazinessRecurring eye infectionsDendritic (branching) ulcer on the corneaEye discharge
Variable
Can begin at different ages, from infancy through adulthood
Treatments
2 availableAvaclyr
indicated for the treatment of acute herpetic keratitis (dendritic ulcers) in patients with herpes simplex (HSV-1 and HSV-2) virus
Zirgan
ZIRGAN is indicated for the treatment of acute herpetic keratitis (dendritic ulcers) in adults and pediatric patients aged 2 years and older.
Clinical Trials
View all trials with filters →No actively recruiting trials found for OBSOLETE: Herpes simplex virus keratitis at this time.
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Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for OBSOLETE: Herpes simplex virus keratitis.
Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to OBSOLETE: Herpes simplex virus keratitis.
Community
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Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
Rare disease caregiving can be isolating. Connect with counseling and peer support.
Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.How severe is the current infection, and which layer of my cornea is affected?,Should I take long-term antiviral medication to prevent future episodes?,What are the warning signs that I should come back for urgent evaluation?,Has there been any permanent scarring on my cornea, and how does it affect my vision?,What can I do to reduce the chance of the infection coming back?,Will I eventually need a corneal transplant?,Can I still wear contact lenses, and are there any activities I should avoid?
Common questions about OBSOLETE: Herpes simplex virus keratitis
What is OBSOLETE: Herpes simplex virus keratitis?
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) keratitis is an eye infection caused by the herpes simplex virus, most commonly type 1 (HSV-1). It affects the cornea, which is the clear front surface of the eye. This condition is one of the leading infectious causes of blindness in developed countries. Note that this entry has been marked as 'obsolete' in the Orphanet classification, meaning it may have been reclassified or merged with another disease entry, but the condition itself remains a well-recognized medical problem. When the herpes virus infects the cornea, it can cause pain, redness, tearing, light sens
What treatment and support options exist for OBSOLETE: Herpes simplex virus keratitis?
1 patient support program are currently tracked on UniteRare for OBSOLETE: Herpes simplex virus keratitis. See the treatments and support programs sections for copay assistance, eligibility, and contact details.