Objectives: Upon completion of this conference the resident/student should have an understanding of herpetic corneal disease and should be able to

discuss the epidemiology, pathophysiology, signs, symptoms and management of corneal infections due to herpesviruses.

Specific questions we will address include:

• What was the historical significance of IDU topical therapy?
• Why is Herpes simplex type 1 (HSV-1) virus so difficult to eliminate from the host?
• Following serious recurrent corneal disease, which virus is worst for the patient: HSV-1 or VZV? Why?
• ZOSTAVAX is an effective vaccine to prevent herpes zoster ophthalmicus. Should we expect a comparable vaccine soon to prevent recurrent HSV-1 keratitis?
• What is the newest treatment for infectious HSV-1 epithelial keratitis?

Assignment: Please read the Viral Infections Section in Chapter 7 Infectious Diseases of the External Eye: Clinical Aspects in the Cornea Section of the BCSC series. Please also read the attached article.
Varicella zoster virus vaccines effective, but concerns linger