Viral Conjunctivitis
ICD-10 B30 · ICD-11 1D84

Treatment of Viral Conjunctivitis in Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Conjunctivitis

Herpes simplex virus conjunctivitis is a recognised cause of viral conjunctivitis requiring a specific treatment approach. As a self-limited acute condition, it nonetheless calls for careful selection of therapy — not all agents appropriate in other forms of ocular inflammation can be safely used here.

This protocol addresses viral conjunctivitis in the specific setting of herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection. The HSV aetiology changes which therapies are appropriate and, critically, which must be avoided — making accurate identification of this scenario clinically important.

Management centres on antiviral therapy, with options available via both topical and oral routes. A key safety consideration in HSV conjunctivitis is the avoidance of a class of topical agents that is commonly used for other forms of ocular inflammation — these are specifically contraindicated in this setting and would worsen the infection.

The complete regimen, including the specific agents recommended, their sequencing, and duration guidance, is in the full protocol.

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References

  1. Herpes simplex virus conjunctivitis is a self-limited acute condition.
  2. Possible topical options include ganciclovir 0.15% gel used three to five times per day or trifluridine 1% solution five to eight times per day.
  3. Oral treatments for HSV conjunctivitis include acyclovir (200 to 400 mg five times a day), valacyclovir (500 mg two or three times a day), or famciclovir (250 mg twice a day).
  4. Topical corticosteroids potentiate HSV epithelial infections and should be avoided.
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