There are approximately 500,000 cases of herpetic eye disease in the United States each year. Worldwide, up to 10 million people are affected annually. Acyclovir is a highly effective antiviral agent that has dramatically changed the treatment of nonocular herpetic infections. Oral acyclovir may be a valuable adjunct to topical antivirals in the treatment of herpetic epithelial keratitis and may be a valuable prophylactic agent in the supression of herpetic eye disease. Patients undergo a screening examination, and those found to be eligible are informed about the study.
Informed consent is obtained prior to entering the study.
Research funds pay for all of the testing that would not be considered a part of the patient's routine care. Study medications are supplied free of charge. You can help this effort by immediately referring a patient who meets eligibility. Patients referred by physicians will be referred back at the end of the study. For more information, contact Dr. Asbell's office.