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The herpes simplex virus or HSV is a human pathogen that can infect many
end organs, one of which is the human eye. Typically, there are two
types of infections caused by these viruses: HSV Type 1 and HSV type 2.
Type 1 infections usually involve the oropharynx or mouth area. Type 2
infections on the other hand have a predilection for the genital region.
Typically, ocular HSV is caused by type 1 rather than type 2 HSV.
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Humans are the only known hosts of the herpes simplex virus. It is for
this reason that the disease is commonly seen in the human population.
Major entry points for the virus to cause infection are the mucous
membranes and external skin. It is believed that close personal contact
is necessary for the spread of HSV.
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Initial infection with HSV can have no symptoms, with the virus
remaining in its latent phase within the sensory ganglia. However,
psychological stress, systemic infections, sunlight exposure, menstrual
period and eye injuries are all believed to trigger HSV reactivation.
Typically, the corneal epithelium (epithelial keratitis) is involved
wherein ulcerations of the corneal surface may occur. In these cases,
patients may complain of increased sensitivity to light (photophobia),
pain, watery discharge and blurred vision. Both the corneal stroma (stromal
keratitis) and the corneal endothelium (endothelitis) may likewise be
affected.
HSV may also infect the eyelids/eyelid margins (blepharitis) and
conjunctiva (conjunctivitis). Patients with HSV blepharitis develop
vesicles involving the eyelid area. The typical lesions evolve from
vesicular eruptions, to ulcerations, then to areas of crusting which
usually do not leave scars unless secondarily infected. On the other
hand, HSV conjunctivitis presents as eye redness with discharge that is
watery. Both HSV blepharitis and conjunctivitis may progress to
keratitis so early recognition and institution of proper management is
important.
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Viral cultures help aid in the diagnosis of ocular HSV but these are
rarely done. The diagnosis of primary and recurrent HSV relies mostly on
a thorough ophthalmic examination to look for signs that point to an
active infection.
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Topical antiviral medications are instituted for active HSV ocular
infections. Steriods are typically avoided in these cases since they
suppress the immune status and may possibly lead to virus proliferation.
For cases of stromal infection and inflammation of the inner parts of
the eye, steroids may be indicated although judicious use is always
advised. Oral antivirals are used if the infection is severe and located
in areas which cannot be reached by topical medications.
Since the goal of therapy is to remove the viral particles, mechanical
debridement of epithelial lesions may also be done. Corneal transplants
are indicated when there is corneal perforation and if there is
persistent disease that does not respond to other modalities. Post
operative course of these eyes are however, guarded and standard care
must be modified in order to ensure graft survival.
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How
do I get more information?
There are several ways of reaching the ophthalmologists of EYE REPUBLIC Ophthalmology Clinic:
Hover note: Please place your mouse cursor over the red box
to click on the web and email links. For websites, a new browser
window will open. For emails, your default email program will
open. You may cut and paste the URLs or email addresses if you
prefer not to open new windows.
ONLINE ACCESS
WEBSITES.
http://www.EyeRepublic.com.ph - EYE REPUBLIC
Ophthalmology Clinic
http://www.OCP.com.ph - Ophthalmic
Consultants Philippines Co. -
http://www.LASIK.com.ph - Refractive
Surgery Resource
http://www.Cataract.com.ph - Cataract Surgery Resource
http://www.Eye.com.ph - Eye
Information Online
http://www.EyeDoc4Kids.com.ph - Eye Information for Kids
http://www.Retina.com.ph - Retina
Surgery Resource
http://www.Glaucoma.com.ph - Glaucoma
Online
http://www.Uveitis.com.ph - Uveitis Online
EMAIL. After writing down your comments,
suggestions, problems and/or questions, kindly tell us how
to get in touch with you by providing your name, email,
home/office numbers, and mobile phone.
General inquiries - help@EyeRepublic.com.ph
Refractive Surgery Service - refractive.surgery@EyeRepublic.com.ph
Glaucoma Service - glaucoma@EyeRepublic.com.ph
Cataract Service - cataract@EyeRepublic.com.ph
Doctors - eyemd@EyeRepublic.com.ph
Administrative - president@EyeRepublic.com.ph
Website - webmaster@EyeRepublic.com.ph
Newsletter -
newsletter@EyeRepublic.com.ph (receive
news and updates, discounts and promotions)
BLOG. Send us your comments.
EYE REPUBLIC
Ophthalmology Atlas
CLINIC INFORMATION
Mobile E-Yellow Pages. Via
SMS, text LUK4 EYEREPUBLIC
(send to 2851 for Globe and Sun Cellular, and 2951 for Smart). |
EYE REPUBLIC Ophthalmology Clinic
Manila
3/F Don Santiago Building Units 309-310
1344 Taft Avenue, Ermita
Manila, 1000 Philippines
Direct and Fax: (632) 536-2398
Trunk Line: (632) 523-8271 to 79 local 30
Mobile: (63917) 899-2020
Map and directions
|
EYE REPUBLIC
Ophthalmology Clinic
Asian Hospital
and Medical Center
5/F Medical Office
Building (MOB) Suite 509
2205 Civic Drive,
Filinvest, Alabang
Muntinlupa City,
1781 Philippines
Direct:
(632) 771-9253
Direct and Fax:
(632) 771-9254
Mobile: (63917) 795-2020
Map and Directions
|
EYE REPUBLIC Ophthalmology Clinic
Medical City
6/F Medical Arts Tower Inc (MATI) Suite 602
MERALCO Compound, Ortigas Avenue
Pasig City, 1604, Philippines
Direct and Fax: (632) 632-7846
Mobile: (63917) 537-2020
Map and directions
|
EYE REPUBLIC
Ophthalmology Clinic
St. Luke's
Medical Center
6/F
Cathedral Heights Building Complex (CHBC)
North Tower Suite 614
279 E. Rodriguez
Sr. Boulevard
Quezon City, 1102
Philippines
Direct and Fax:
(632) 407-3883
Mobile: (63917) 855-2020
Map and directions
|
CLINIC HOURS
First-Come, First-Served
Monday to Saturday 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
All clinics are closed on Sundays and Holidays
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HSV KERATITIS information
compiled by
Dr.
Johann Reyes and initially uploaded on February 11, 2006.
Last updated on
September 14, 2007. |
