Herpetic Keratitis

Other names :
viral conjunctivitis acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis (AHC) herpes conjunctivitis

Herpetic Keratitis
It is a self- limiting infection of the eyelids, conjunctiva and cornea due to viral invasion. It often results in deep ulcers and may be one of the most common cause of blindness in the United States. It usually lasts for 1-3 weeks.

Herpetic Keratitis
Once herpes simplex is present in the eye, it typically infects the eyelids, conjunctiva (the thin, filmy, mucous membrane that covers the inside of the eyelids and the white part of the eye) and cornea (the clear, front window of the eye). It may also infect the inside of the eye; however, this is much less common. It is acquired via person-to-person contact with infected eye secretions.

The Human Eye

The Causative Agent

Herpes simplex type I

HSV I
General Characteristics: *Spherical, *Measures 120-200nm diameter *Double stranded DNA with protein coat having icosahedral symmetry. *Enveloped neucleocapsid.

Symptoms of Herpetic keratitis

Corneal inflammation Red eye Eye irritation Reduced visual acuity Eye pain Eye tearing Light sensitivity

Prevention and Control:

Personal hygiene; drainage precautions; strict asepsis in eye clinics

Treatment of HSV Infections

The list of treatments mentioned in various sources for Herpetic keratitis includes the following list. Always seek professional medical advice about any treatment or change in treatment plans. 1-2% trifluridine 1% iododeoxyuridine 3% vidarabine

Herpetic Keratitis

Acanthamoeba keratitis

Acanthamoeba Keratitis

Acanthamoeba Keratitis
Acanthamoeba keratitis: Infection of the eye with a microscopic, free-living ameba (Acanthamoeba) that is readily found in the environment - soil, air and water. Infection most often occurs through exposure to contaminated water while wearing contact lenses e.g. swimming or showering in infected waters. It is acquired by swimming in stagnant swimming pools; wearing of contact lenses overnight and while swimming.

Acanthamoeba Keratitis
It is an infection characterized by the invasion of a trophozoite into the eyes which on early stage of infection may consist of only mild a mild inflammation but later stages may result in severe pain and cause eye damage and may complicate to blindness. Acanthamoeba keratitis is a rare disease where amoebae invade the cornea of the eye.

Acanthamoeba Keratitis
Causative agent: Acanthamoeba spp.

Acanthamoeba

Phase contrast micrograph of an Acanthamoeba polyphaga cyst. Scientific classification Domain: Kingdom: Genus: Eukaryota Amoebozoa Acanthamoeba

Acanthamoeba Keratitis
Inside the human body

General Characteristics:
Small, free living amoeba found in stagnant fresh water, hot tubs, tap water and soil; Has two developmental stages: trophozoite (Active, motile stage); cyst (Dormant, inactive, nonmotile stage) Infective stage: Trophozoite Reproduce by binary fission; encystations when environment becomes adverse.

Life Cycle of Acanthamoeba

Signs and Symptoms

Vision impairment Red eyes Light sensitivity Severe eye pain Eyelid swelling Watery eyes Blurred vision Sensation of something in eye Excessive tearing

Prevention and Control:

Avoid swimming in stagnant swimming pools Use pre-heated tap water as facial wash Avoid use of home-made saline solutions

Treatment
Topical application to affected eye of propamidine isethionate or miconazole Corneal transplant Eye removal surgery