Anterior Uveitis: When to Suspect Herpes Simplex

In this 1-minute video, Dr. Debra Goldstein describes characteristics that distinguish herpes simplex anterior uveitis from acute or chronic anterior uveitis. Herpes typically presents unilaterally and patients may report foreign body sensations, irritation and redness that progresses over days to weeks. In contrast, anterior acute uveitis develops over hours to days while the chronic disease starts quietly. High pressure at presentation is also a sign of herpes, along with corneal keratic precipitates and Descement folds. Another distinct trait is iris transillumination defects, which are rarely noted in non-herpetic diseases.

View other 1-Minute Videos from Dr. Goldstein:
Post-Cataract Surgery Inflammation: What's Going on?
Cataract Surgery in Uveitis Patients: Pearls for Success
Posterior Uveitis: Is it Infectious?
New Hypopyon: What's the Cause?

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