A New Zealand study has examined the frequency of recurrences, risk factors, and long-term clinical outcomes in subjects with herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO).
In this retrospective cohort study of 869 HZO patients, researchers concluded HZO eye disease recurrence is common, occurring in 23% of patients over a median follow-up of 6.3 years.1
Patients most likely to develop a recurrence had a higher presenting intraocular pressure (IOP), corneal involvement, and uveitis at presentation.
The study authors said the timing of recurrence highlights the importance of close monitoring, especially for patients who stop topical steroid treatment. A longer taper of steroid may be required for higher-risk patients, along with careful monitoring of steroid cessation.
“The risk of vision loss increases with the frequency of eye disease recurrences, so there is an opportunity to improve the visual outcomes for HZO patients,” the study authors said.
“The results underscore the importance of determining the role of suppressive antiviral treatment and vaccination to prevent disease.”
The results underscore the importance of determining the role of suppressive antiviral treatment and vaccination to prevent disease
Reference
DAR, Liu K, Danesh-Meyer HV, Niederer RL. Herpes zoster ophthalmicus recurrence: risk factors and long-term clinical outcomes. Am J Ophthalmol. 2024 Dec;268:1-9. doi: 10.1016/j.ajo.2024.06.003.
