Treatment of Viral Conjunctivitis in Adenoviral Conjunctivitis
Adenoviral conjunctivitis is a specific and common presentation of viral conjunctivitis. Severe forms — including adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis — can involve significant ocular surface involvement that requires a targeted clinical approach.
Clinical Scenario
This protocol addresses viral conjunctivitis in the setting of adenoviral conjunctivitis. There is no proven effective treatment for eradication of adenovirus infection; however, measures to mitigate symptoms remain the focus of management.
Treatment Approach
In severe adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis — particularly when marked chemosis, eyelid swelling, epithelial sloughing, or membranous conjunctivitis is present — a specific class of topical agents may be considered to reduce symptoms and limit scarring. An additional procedural intervention may be appropriate for the membranous form.
Full regimen details, sequencing, and clinical decision points are in the complete protocol.
References
There is no proven effective treatment for eradication of adenovirus infection; however, artificial tears, topical antihistamines, topical steroids, oral analgesics, or cold compresses may be used to mitigate symptoms.
Topical corticosteroids are helpful to reduce symptoms and may reduce scarring in severe cases of adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis with marked chemosis or eyelid swelling, epithelial sloughing, or membranous conjunctivitis.
For patients with membranous conjunctivitis, debridement of the membrane can be considered to prevent corneal epithelial abrasions or permanent cicatricial changes (e.g., foreshortening of the conjunctival fornix).
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