Viral Uveitis: Ready reckoner for the Postgraduates
Viral ocular infections can cause sight-threatening diseases in humans either as an isolated ocular infection or as a part of systemic illness. Although many viruses may naturally be harbored in human beings, the common ones causing ocular infections include herpes simplex virus (HSV), varicella-zoster virus (VZV), and cytomegalovirus (CMV). They may remain dormant for several years with periodic asymptomatic virus shedding in immunocompetent individuals. However, in situations where the immunity is reduced due to age or, comorbidities, the symptomatic disease can occur. Ocular damage is caused by the direct cellular damage by the virus itself or the inflammatory response to the infection. Virus-specific T lymphocytes as well as humoral immunity with specific antibodies help to control the acute infection. Here we look at anterior and posterior viral uveitis in two separate sections and the common causative viruses. Viral Anterior Uveitis ( VAU) Introduction Anterior uveitis (AU) is th
Dr. Vinita Rao · Dr. Gazal Patnaik