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.