They resolve spontaneously, usually without scarring. These infiltrates are immunological in nature. In rare cases, disciform keratitis or anterior uveitis can occur. There is no change in corneal sensation. See Pathophysiology .
Diagnosis routinely is based on the characteristic clinical features.
A simple way to diagnose EKC is by conjunctival cytology with Giemsa stain to look for intranuclear inclusions and lymphocytes. To confirm the diagnosis, viral culture is the criterion standard. Use a human epithelial cell line and a Chlamydia transport media. There has been promising animal research with the agent cidofovir in reducing the viral replication cycle and as a prophylactic agent. This antiviral is currently in stage 3 Food and Drug Administration trials in the US, pending approval for clinical use.