HERPETIC KERATITIS Meaning and
Definition
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Herpetic keratitis is a medical condition characterized by the inflammation and infection of the cornea, which is the transparent outer layer of the eye. It is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), specifically the herpes simplex type 1 (HSV-1) strain. This condition commonly affects one eye, although it can sometimes spread to the other eye.
Symptoms of herpetic keratitis include eye pain, redness, blurry or decreased vision, sensitivity to light (photophobia), tearing, and the presence of small, ulcer-like sores on the cornea. These symptoms may vary in severity and can recur periodically.
The infection is generally the result of a previous herpes simplex virus infection, often oral herpes, commonly known as a cold sore. The virus can become dormant and reside in the nerves leading to the eye. Numerous triggers can cause the virus to reactivate, leading to the development of herpetic keratitis.
Prompt treatment is crucial to prevent complications and preserve vision. Antiviral medications, such as oral antiviral pills or eye drops, are typically prescribed to help manage the infection. In severe cases, antiviral medications may need to be administered intravenously.
Prevention techniques, such as good hygiene practices, avoiding contact with active cold sores or individuals with a known herpes infection, and not sharing personal items like towels or cosmetics, can help reduce the risk of contracting herpetic keratitis. Additionally, individuals with a history of herpetic keratitis should protect their eyes from excessive sun exposure and use appropriate eye protection.
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Inflammation of the cornea accompanying zoster.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for HERPETIC KERATITIS
- gerpetic keratitis
- berpetic keratitis
- nerpetic keratitis
- jerpetic keratitis
- uerpetic keratitis
- yerpetic keratitis
- hwrpetic keratitis
- hsrpetic keratitis
- hdrpetic keratitis
- hrrpetic keratitis
- h4rpetic keratitis
- h3rpetic keratitis
- heepetic keratitis
- hedpetic keratitis
- hefpetic keratitis
- hetpetic keratitis
- he5petic keratitis
- he4petic keratitis
- heroetic keratitis
- herletic keratitis
Etymology of HERPETIC KERATITIS
The word "herpetic" is derived from the Greek word "herpes", meaning "creeping" or "crawling", which originally referred to snake-like lesions. "Keratitis" comes from the Greek word "keras", meaning "horn" or "cornea", and the suffix "-itis", meaning "inflammation". Therefore, "herpetic keratitis" literally means inflammation of the cornea caused by the herpes virus.
