Zusammenfassung
Besonders in den Winter- und Herbstmonaten füllen sie Augenarztpraxen und Ambulanzen von Augenkliniken: Patienten mit stark geröteten, tränenden Augen, die oftmals auch zusätzliche
Allgemeinsymptome zu beklagen haben. Doch nicht jede Bindehautentzündung wird durch respiratorische Erreger mit typischer, saisonaler epidemiologischer Dynamik verursacht, bei bestimmten
Erregern manifestiert sich in erster Linie ein charakteristischer Hautbefund.
Abstract
Viral conjunctivitis is one of the most common acute eye diseases. The fall and winter months are known to be the main season for viral infections which is also reflected in the
ophthalmological outpatient clinics. Viral conjunctivitis is often accompanied by symptoms of the upper and lower respiratory tract, fever, chills, arthralgia or skin lesions. The spectrum
of pathogens comprises DNA viruses such as Adeno-, Herpes simplex and Molluscum contagiosum as well as RNA viruses. Symptoms caused by pandemic pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2 and mpox viruses
can also cause ocular manifestation. Viral conjunctivitis is often self-limiting leaving no residual symptoms, however an ophthalmologist should be consulted if there are inflammatory
symptoms of the anterior eye accompanied by visual disturbance. It is particularly important to recognize the affection of corneal or even intraocular structures early to initiate an
adequate and effective therapy. Affection of the cornea, vitreus or retina can result in temporary or permanent impairment of the field of vision and visual acuity. The diagnosis is usually
made without further tests on the basis of the typical clinical presentation. Rapid tests or PCR diagnostics are also available for confirmation. In most patients the treatment is
symptomatically with artificial tears and antibiotic eye drops in cases accompanied by secondary bacterial infections, not prophylactically. If the cornea or other ocular structures are
affected by certain viruses, local as well as systemic virostatic therapy is initiated. The most important prophylactic measure is meticulous and consistent hygiene.
Schlüsselwörter
Adenovirus - Herpes simplex - COVID-19 - Affenpocken - Schnelltest
Key words
adenovirus - herpes simplex - COVID-19 - monkeypox - rapid test
