Clinical Characteristics of Herpes Simplex Virus Associated Anterior Uveitis

Purpose: The aim of this study is to describe the clinical characteristics of molecularly proven Herpes simplex virus (HSV) anterior uveitis. Methods: The literature on HSV anterior uveitis whereby the diagnosis was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and or Goldmann–Witmer coefficient in aqueous humor was reviewed. Three studies from Europe and one from Japan could be included. Results: It was observed that HSV anterior uveitis is mostly an acute unilateral disease mainly occurring in middle-aged people with a predominance in females. The incidence of keratitis in HSV is between 33 and 41%. High intraocular pressure is frequently observed and ranged from 46 to 90%. Sectorial iris atrophy may be absent, especially early in the disease. Conclusion: The clinical characteristics of HSV anterior uveitis can mimic other viral and non-infectious anterior uveitis entities especially at onset. Aqueous humor analysis for PCR and GWC can be useful in case of suspected viral uveitis