Herpes zoster ophthalmicus in otherwise healthy children.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the complications of herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) in children.

DESIGN

Prospective-observational case series.

METHODS

Ten healthy patients (five boys, five girls) with HZO were prospectively followed. Data regarding best-corrected visual acuity, biomicroscopy, intraocular pressure, corneal sensitivity, and funduscopy were collected. The median duration of follow-up was 19 months (range eight to 78 months).

RESULTS

The mean age at presentation was 8.7 years (range two to 14 years +/-3.95). At last visit, two patients (20%) had decreased visual acuity and nine (90%) had some degree of abnormal corneal sensitivity and corneal opacity despite good final visual acuity.

CONCLUSION

In general, HZO seems to have a good prognosis in healthy children; nonetheless, some cases can present severe eye complications causing visual loss.