What Causes Scar Over Cornea Following HSV Keratitis?

Posted on Tue, 2 Jun 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 2 Jun 2015 Answered on

Mon, 22 Jun 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello, I had an HSV outbreak in my left eyeball almost 1 year ago. It took them almost 3 weeks to figure out what it was so now I have a lazy eye and what appears to be a cloudy white scar over the iris of my eye. This cloudy scar gives my blurred vision especially when my pupils dilate. They told me there is no way to get rid of a scar, is this true? It can't be lazered off? I read somewhere that the cloudy white thing might be a different type of infection that could actually be removed? Please help as trying to get a masters degree and not being able to see clearly don't really work well together!

Answered by Dr. Dadapeer K (55 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
This can be treated now.

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Welcome to Health care Magic.

I am Dr. DADAPEER K, an Ophthalmologist and I will be answering your question.
I reviewed your history.

It seems from the history that you are having scar over cornea following herpes simplex virus keratitis.
The scar needs to be treated by laser photo refractive keratectomy or keratoplasty depending on the grade of corneal opacity.
However viral infection can get reactivated hence the procedure is usually not done in first 6-12 months following infection.
Since it is one year now you can undergo the procedure. We usually do them under the cover of acyclovir tablets which is given at least six weeks prior to the laser or keratoplasty.

Hence I advice you to consult your ophthalmologist specialized in cornea for further evaluation and treatment accordingly.

Hope this information is helpful to you.

Thank you
With regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar