Expert: Dr. Atul Ursekar - 1/24/2005

Question
Hi my name is Abe and I was diagnosed with ocular herpes a couple years ago. When It falred up my doctor gave me trifluridine but I developed an allergic reaction to it.  My question is if I ever got stromal keratitis and needed to take steroids for it could I use oral acyclovir as an alternativto trifluridine since Im allergic to trifluridine.  I appreciate you help in this question.

Answer
There are various forms and drug delivery methods to treat corneal disease due to herpes. These include various combination of drugs including anti-viral, steroid and if required antibiotics. These may be delivered orally (systemically) or locally (eye drops/ointment).

Which combination of drugs need to be given and by what method (orally or locally or both) will be determined clinically by your ophthalmologist depending upon the actual condition of the cornea. Your allergies and side effects will be noted prior to starting any medications. You should inform your ophthalmologist about them.