Ocular involvement associated with chronic Epstein-Barr virus disease
K. W. Wong, D. J. D'Amico, T. R. Hedges 3rd, H. K. Soong, R. T. Schooley and K. R. Kenyon
Ocular involvement with acute Epstein-Barr virus infection is usually
limited to a transient follicular conjunctivitis, although other lesions
have been reported. Chronic Epstein-Barr virus infection has recently
gained attention, but ocular manifestations have not been emphasized. We
describe three patients with chronic infection with prominent ocular
involvement. Bilateral uveitis was noted in all patients, ranging from an
anterior uveitis that was responsive to steroids to a severe panuveitis
with vitritis, cataract, optic disc swelling, and macular edema. In one
patient, topical acyclovir ointment resulted in a substantial decrease in
the inflammatory reaction when added to systemic acyclovir therapy. Another
patient displayed a keratitis that resolved with topical steroid therapy.
Cataract and vitreous surgery were also beneficial in the management of
these patients.
