eye disorders
Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus
Treatment of Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus
Oral antivirals (eg,acyclovir,famciclovir,valacyclovir) Sometimes topical corticosteroids Early treatment withacyclovir800 mg orally 5 times/day orfamciclovir500 mg orvalacyclovir1 g orally 3 times/day for 7 days reduces ocular complications. Patients with uveitis or keratitis require topical corticosteroids (eg,prednisoloneacetate 1%, 1 drop instilled every 1 hour for uveitis or 4 times/day for keratitis initially, lengthening the interval as signs and symptoms lessen). The pupil should be dilated withatropine1% orscopolamine0.25% 1 drop 3 times/day. Intraocular pressure must be monitored and treated if it rises significantly above normal values. Use of a brief course of high-dose oral corticosteroids to prevent postherpetic neuralgia in patients>60 years who are in good general health remains controversial. 