- Most common cause of central infectious keratitis
- Occurs secondary to reactivation of HSV type I through nervous system
- Following one HSK infection, 25% chance of recurrence in one year; 50% chance of recurrence in two years
- Suppressive therapy reduces risk of recurrent keratitis by almost 50%
Management
- Topical antiviral (Viroptic™ q2h or Zirgan™ 5xday) for two weeks, oral antiviral (valacyclovir 500 mg PO TID) for one week.
- Consider suppressive therapy (valacyclovir 500 mg QD) for recurrent cases