The Evolution of Antiviral Therapy for External Ocular Viral Infections Over Twenty-five Years

PURPOSE: To review the past 25 years of the evolution of antiviral therapy for the treatment of common external ocular viral infections (herpes simplex virus type 1, varicella-zoster virus, and adenovirus). METHODS: A broad-based literature review in the fields of virology, antiviral research, and ophthalmology will be carried out. The pathogenesis of the major external ocular viral infections and history of antiviral development will be cited. Important conceptual breakthroughs as well as historical landmarks will be emphasized. RESULTS: The successful development of effective antivirals to treat the most common external ocular viral infections have dramatically reduced morbidity and sight loss. The immune pathogenesis of herpetic stromal keratitis is better understood. CONCLUSIONS: Remarkable progress in the development of antiviral therapy has occurred over the past quarter century. Future needs include improved antivirals and immunomodulators and vaccines to prevent and treat herpetic ocular infections and adenovirus keratoconjunctivitis.