Cornea
Herpes Simplex Keratitis
Also known as: HSK, herpes simplex keratitis, HSVK, dendritic ulcer, herpetic keratitis, herpetic epithelial keratitis, HSV keratitis, geographic ulcer
Clinical decision support only
OptoGuide™ supports professional judgement and does not diagnose or replace clinician responsibility.
Overview
Corneal infection caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). The most common cause of infectious corneal blindness in developed countries. Presents as a spectrum from dendritic epithelial ulcer (classic) to disciform stromal keratitis to endotheliitis. Recurrent disease causes progressive corneal scarring. Avoid topical steroids in epithelial HSV unless ophthalmology directs their use.
What OptoGuide™ covers for herpes simplex keratitis
- Recognition patterns: symptoms, signs, and differentiators
- Don't-miss risks and escalation triggers
- Management tiers with linked Australian therapeutics
- Referral urgency, specialty, and letter drafting