Cryotherapy in Dendritic Keratitis.

This study evaluates the effectiveness of cryotherapy in the treatment of Dendritic Keratitis where antiviral agents are not available. The result show some improvement in visual acuity while one patient has a drop in vision. The extent of corneal scarring appears to depend on the duration of the disease and extent of stroma involvement. A coparative study with antiviral agents is recommended. To evaluate the effectiveness of cryotherapy in the treatment of Dendritic Keratitis where antiviral agents are not available. Ten patients with Dendritic Keratitis underwent cryotherapy by a freeze thaw technique at a temperature of between –40oC to –60oC. Six patient records were reviewed while the remaining four were prospectively followed up. Patients had Gutt atropine sulphate 1.0% and Oc. Chloramphenicol 1.0% in addition to their treatment. There was an improvement in the visual outcome of most patients with complete epithelial healing within ten days of the procedure. We recommended a comparative study with antiviral agents though cryotherapy can be considered where antiviral agents are not available.Nigerian Journal of Ophthalmology Vol. 9, No.1 (August 2001): pp 25-27KEY WORDS: Dendritic keratitis, cryotherapy, antiviral agents