Ophthalmic herpes zoster: diagnosis and antiviral therapy.

Elderly patients, whether of normal or depressed immune status, are at increased risk of herpes zoster infection. Ocular complications occur in 50% of patients with zoster that reactivates in the ophthalmic division of the trigeminal ganglion. Early intervention with high-dose oral acyclovir has been effective in preventing many of these complications, while reducing the duration of the acute infection. Postherpetic neuralgia remains a difficult therapeutic problem, and options are offered.