Vaccinia Keratitis: Management

Topical antiviral agents are the treatment of choice. The best agent to use should be determined in immediate consultation with an experienced ophthalmologist. Current information suggests that a combination of an antiviral nucleoside and interferon topically speeds healing. Agents such as vidarabine, trifluridine or acyclovir have been used. Some ophthalmologists recommend concurrent debridement or other physical or physicochemical methods of treatment, but these methods have not been adequately investigated to make firm recommendations.

Vaccinia Immune Globulin (VIG) should not be used in vaccinia keratitis. There is some evidence in humans and animal models that more extensive corneal clouding can occur following VIG therapy.

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