Ocular manifestations of herpes simplex viruses.

Ocular manifestations of herpes simplex virus are mostly caused by herpes simplex (HSV-1), and are the second most frequent clinical manifestation of HSV-1 after cold sore. Corneal involvement, known as herpetic keratitis is by far the most frequent: in France, it affects 90,000 people with nearly 20,000 attacks each year. Herpes keratitis is considered to be the leading cause of infectious blindness in industrialized countries. In addition to its visual consequences, this recurrent disease may severely impact the quality of life. This review will first focus on current pathophysiological concepts and epidemiological data, then detail clinical forms and their treatment and finish with new therapeutic challenges and developing therapeutic strategies.