Pattern of Herpes Simplex Virus Keratitis at A Tertiary Eye Care Center in Mid-Western Region of Nepal

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of the study was to determine the clinical pattern of Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Keratitis and to evaluate the precipitating factors and associated visual loss. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study of all consecutive patients clinically diagnosed with HSV keratitis in the Cornea department of Rapti eye hospital from January 2022 to December 2022. The major outcome measures studied were demographic characteristics, clinical pattern of HSV keratitis, precipitating factors and visual acuity. Result: A total of 218 cases of HSV keratitis were included in the study. Mean age of patients was 39.23±20.19 years with majority belonging to age group 15-40 years. Stromal keratitis was the most common manifestation (109 cases; 50%) followed by disciform keratitis. Majority of cases had spontaneous onset and others had precipitating factors like minor ocular trauma, steroid and fever. Presenting visual acuity of <3/60 was present in 14.2% of cases. Conclusion: Productive age group are most commonly affected with HSV keratitis with stromal keratitis as the most common presentation. HSV keratitis may lead to significant scarring and severe visual impairment and blindness.