[The fate of corneal infiltrations in cases of epidemic keratoconjunctivitis. A follow-up study over two and a half years (author's transl)].

34 out of 72 patients (47.2%) with epidemic keratoconjunctivitis due to an infection with the adeno-virus type 8 still showed, on average, corneal opacities after 2.3 years. The gamma2-test proved the statistical significance of the correlation between the prevention of persistent corneal changes and the abstention from topical treatment with corticosteroids in the acute phase of the disease. Yet, steroids mitigate the subjective discomfort, delay the development of keratitis by several days, or even prevent its manifestation as long as corticosteroids are applied. However, in one third of the cases, the keratitis recurs as soon as topical treatment with corticosteroids is stopped. Recurrent attacks of keratitis may flare up over years and the visual acuity may decrease to 6/12 causing transient incapability of working.