Dendritic Lesions in Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus

Abstract

Thirteen dendritic corneal lesions have been observed in nine patients suffering from herpes zoster. These lesions appear morphologically distinct from herpes simplex dendrites. Cultures from all lesions were negative for herpes simplex virus, and serum antibodies to herpes simplex were not present in five patients tested. The role of steroids in the treatment of these lesions is discussed with respect to the fact that dendritic lesions do not invariably indicate the presence of herpes simplex virus infection of the cornea in patients with zoster keratitis.