Clinical Profile of Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus in a South Indian Patient Population

Purpose: To analyze and compare the clinical profile of herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) patients in a South Indian patient population aged <60 years and 60 years and determine the risk factors for recurrence of ocular inflammation.Methods: Retrospective study of 249 cases between 2006 and 2016 from two tertiary referral eye centres in south india.Results: Out of 249 cases, 189 cases were <60 years (Group 1) and 60 cases were aged 60 years (Group2). Presence of diabetes mellitus, increased intraocular pressure(IOP) at the time of active inflammation, use of topical steroids and recurrences were significantly more common in group 1. Significant risk factors for recurrences included corneal, uveal, scleral involvements and increase in IOP. Good vision at presentation was noted in 67.9% of the patients.Conclusions: Anterior uveitis with or without keratitis was the most common presentation observed in more than 50% cases. The overall visual outcome was good.