The Effect of Povidone-Iodine 2% Eye Drops in the Treatment of Adenoviral Keratoconjunctivitis

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of 2% povidone-iodine (PVP-I) eye drops in patients with adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis (AKC) and to assess their impact on symptom resolution, ocular signs, and prevention of complications such as subepithelial infiltrates. A prospective, open-label interventional study was Methods: conducted on 100 patients diagnosed clinically and/or by PCR with AKC. Patients received 2% PVP-I eye drops four times daily for 7 days. Clinical outcomes including ocular discharge, conjunctival injection, conjunctival swelling, pseudomembrane formation, periauricular lymphadenopathy, and subepithelial infiltrates were assessed at baseline, day 3, day 7, and day 14. Adverse effects were also recorded. Results: Significant clinical improvement was noted in discharge (92.7%), injection (90.6%), and swelling (79.2%) by day 7. Subepithelial infiltrates were noted in 21.9% of patients, and pseudomembrane formation occurred in 13.5%. No serious adverse effects were reported; mild transient stinging was noted in 15% of patients. Conclusion: Topical 2% PVP-I eye drops are safe and effective for the treatment of AKC, promoting rapid symptom resolution and reducing the risk of long-term complications. Early intervention with PVP-I can minimize viral shedding and improve patient outcomes.