Purpose of review: The purpose of this review is to discuss the options for, and recent developments in, the surgical treatment of herpes keratitis. Although the mainstay of treatment of herpetic keratitis is topical or oral antiviral agents, surgical intervention may be necessary for corneal melting or long-term complications such as scarring, lipid keratopathy, necrotizing keratitis, and neurotrophic keratitis.
Recent findings: There are a number of surgical therapies available for herpes keratitis. Preferred therapeutic modalities differ based on the size, causation, and location of the infection but consist of either replacement of the infected tissue or structural support of the tissue to allow healing. Incremental improvements in the existing treatment modalities have made them more effective, easier, and safer, whereas novel therapies such as corneal neurotization are starting to be described in ophthalmic literature.
Summary: Several options are available for surgically managing the complications of herpes keratitis. Ophthalmologists should select the optimal procedure based on the individual patient's situation. VIDEO ABSTRACT: http://links.lww.com/COOP/A28.