Herpes zoster ophthalmicus in Malawi.

OBJECTIVE

The objective was to describe the complications and outcomes of herpes zoster ophthalmicus in a population of young Africans with a high seroprevalence of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 in which treatment often is delayed and in which antiviral drugs are not available.

METHODS

Twenty-seven patients with herpes zoster ophthalmicus presenting consecutively to a large urban hospital were examined and followed. Treatment was limited to that which was locally available.

RESULTS

Visual outcomes were poor. Sixty-six percent of eyes had final visual acuity less than 20/60. Forty percent had light perception or no light perception visual acuity. Severe keratouveitis and corneal perforation were common and responsible for most poor visual outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Young Africans with herpes zoster ophthalmicus are at a high risk for significant visual loss.