Treatment of Viral Conjunctivitis in Varicella Zoster Virus Conjunctivitis
Varicella zoster virus (VZV) is a recognised cause of viral conjunctivitis. The following outlines the relevant clinical presentation and the conditions under which specific treatment is considered.
Clinical scenario
Children with chickenpox may present with conjunctivitis that is sometimes associated with eyelid ulceration and/or limbal or conjunctival vesicles. Recognising this VZV-related ocular involvement is important for guiding appropriate management.
Treatment approach
For persistent or recalcitrant acute or subacute disease in immunocompetent patients, oral antiviral therapy may be appropriate. The specific agent selection and additional clinical considerations are set out in the full structured protocol.
References
- Children with chicken pox may present with conjunctivitis that is sometimes associated with eyelid ulceration and/or limbal or conjunctival vesicles.
- With persistent or recalcitrant acute/subacute disease in immunocompetent patients, oral antivirals may be beneficial at a dose of 800 mg five times daily for 7 days for acyclovir, 1000 mg every 8 hours for 7 days for valacyclovir, or 500 mg three times daily for 7 days for famciclovir.
- Caution is advised when using systemic antiviral therapy in patients with impaired renal clearance.